Local firms are hoping to grab a share of a £2.5 million contract to build an eco-friendly HQ for a housing association.

They attended a meet the buyer event at Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction who have started building the new Cartrefi Conwy offices on the outskirts of Abergele.

The registered social landlord will be bringing up to 100 jobs to the town’s North Wales Business Park.

The move has been hailed as a major economic boost for the area.

The building will also include community facilities for the benefit of tenants and other local people.

The event was organised in association with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Tendering Service.

Wynne Construction are looking for local businesses able to supply everything from windows and flooring to plant hire and commercial cleaning services who wish to be added to the approved supplier chain for the project.

According to Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager Glyn Hughes, businesses pitching their services need to be able to prove they can meet the demanding standards required.

He said: “We want all our suppliers to be aware how important health and safety is to both Wynne Construction and Cartrefi Conwy. Our accident record is exceptionally good for the construction industry and we intend to maintain that level of safety.

“All suppliers working on the site need to evidence the fact they are writing method statements and following the proper procedures and complying with risk assessments.”

Quantity Surveyor Tim Davies added: “We hold Meet the Buyer events on a regular basis at which we sit down and talk to suppliers and ensure they are aware of what is required of them and what they can expect from us.

“The main thing is we want to support local North Wales firms wherever possible.”

Among those hoping to pick up work was Paul Thomas, proprietor of Orchard Windows, from Abergele.

He said: “I supply UPVC and aluminium windows to both domestic and trade customers. I’m keen to become an approved Wynne Construction supplier. It’s obviously good they are looking locally and allowing small firms like mine to show what we can offer.

“Orchards Windows Wales does have a good health and safety record and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to demonstrate to Wynne Construction what we can offer as far as the supply of windows to the new Cartrefi Conwy building is concerned.”

Dave Thomas, who also runs his own window supply company from Llanrwst, says having the opportunity to meet those in charge of Wynne Construction’s  supply network was a good way to ensure he got his message across.

He said: “Obviously we want to see businesses supporting each other in North Wales whenever we can. I enjoyed coming along to Wynne Construction and outlining what I can offer in the supply of window products.

“I understand there is a need to comply with Wynne Construction’s very clear and strict health and safety protocols. I have laid out my case and it is now up to them.”

Andrew Bowden, the Chief Executive of Cartrefi Conwy, is delighted with the progress made in the construction of new headquarters.

He said: “We were very pleased that Wynne Construction won the contract against stiff competition from across the UK.

“I’m delighted to see a number of smaller North Wales firms getting the opportunity to pitch their ideas and services.

“Wynne Construction are making great progress and once complete our new headquarters will harness solar power to generate 75 per cent of our own electricity.

“It’s exciting times for Cartrefi Conwy, Wynne Construction and the local North Wales suppliers who are added to the approved supplier chain for this project.”

The event was a big success according to Carys Griffiths, from the Business Wales Tender Service.

She said: “I think such an event highlights the opportunities for the supply chain, in particular the small contractors.

“It’s encouraging that local companies like Cartrefi Conwy and Wynne Construction are very pro-active in engaging with local contractors, and are pivotal in assisting those smaller contractors to develop and grow their businesses. This certainly has a significant impact on the local economy.”