Tackling the biggest reconstruction project in the world

53 representatives from North East businesses attended a seminar in Aberdeen in November to hear at first hand about the "largest reconstruction project the world has ever seen" - rebuilding the shattered communities and businesses of Louisiana in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The two main presentations were made by Larry Collins, Director of International Services for the Louisiana state government's economic development department, and Brian Foy, Vice-Consul, Oil and Gas UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), Houston.

Mr Collins said the reconstruction work in Louisiana might eventually total £140 billion, and would make the state the focus of economic attention in the US for the next five years.

But, he noted, the Gulf of Mexico lacked some of the key skills needed for the recovery operation, which is why he was inviting businesses in Aberdeen, London and Manchester to consider how they might be able to join in the reconstruction and, in the process, perhaps go on to establish or expand long-term operations in the Gulf.

"We think there are considerable opportunities for UK companies to operate and grow in Louisiana as the state is redeveloped" he observed.

Mr Collins outlined the potential for North East businesses involved in energy, construction, hospitality and catering, power engineering and other sectors, and advised them to maximise on their cultural familiarity with the US - "there's no language issue, we're on a comfort level and there are no cultural barriers to speak of," he noted.

Louisiana Economic Development is preparing to offer temporary offices in Louisiana to companies involved in the reconstruction effort, but stresses that it may be beneficial for UK businesses to find a local partner to overcome some of the practical difficulties of setting up business in the US .

Future partnership

The seminar was organised by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), and was chaired by Rita Stephen, head of economic development with Aberdeen City Council and chair of Business Gateway International (BGI).

"Ironically, we began work last year on a joint economic development initiative with Louisiana which was due to have been launched at Offshore Europe this September, before the Gulf hurricanes struck," she reported.

"We are now in the process not only of picking up on that initiative from where we left off, but also building on our contacts, capabilities and familiarity with the state to help tackle this massive regeneration project."

"This operation will be all about future partnership - and we will need feedback from North East companies to help us identify what support services they will need from us to win a share of the reconstruction."

One of the North East delegates, John Langler, chairman of Walker Technical Resources, confirmed the potential for smaller North East businesses to get involved.

"It's realistic to say we're not going to get the huge contracts, but there are tremendous opportunities here - I just hope we are in a position to respond."

"I think the reality of it is that obviously we've seen the major downside and the tragedy that's gone on - but behind all that there is sound economic sense behind what's happening now."

Further action

The presentations by both Larry Collins and Brian Foy are also available. Click here to download Larry Collins' presentation with details of the scale of the reconstruction and some specific opportunities.

To download a copy of the Louisiana oil and gas prospects presentation click here

Useful Weblinks

www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov
The Hurricane Contracting Information Centre has tools and information
about business opportunities

www.ccr.gov

To be eligible to receive direct government contracts, businesses must register with the Central Contractor. Registration requires a Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number. To receive one, go to
eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg.

www.fbo.gov

FebBizOpps,a web site for federal government contracts above $25,000, offers e-mail announcements about contracts through its vendor notification service.

http://www.usace.army.mil/hurricane.html

US Army Corps of Engineers website