THE team behind the Circuit of Wales held a meet the buyer day last week which saw more than 600 companies express interest in being involved in the project.

The event gave businesses the chance to meet with representatives from construction partners Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd and FCC.

Thursday's event was aimed at sub-contractor and supplier companies who wish to learn of supply chain opportunities as part of the £280m project.

It gave them the chance to put themselves forward for key components of work on the project.

It took place at Ebbw Vale RFC and was meant to run between 9am and 1pm – however, due to he volume of interest organisers were forced to extend the event until 6pm.

The day was billed as an opportunity for companies and businesses interested in being involved in the project, from material suppliers and builders to carpenters and electricians.

Jonathan Jones, head of training and recruitment on the project, said holding the event in Ebbw Vale was deliberate: “I was really shocked at the number of people who have turned up today, its brilliant,” he said. “I think we will probably have to hold a second event.

“There’s a strong local presence here today. We held the event in Ebbw Vale to give the local business community the chance to get involved in the project and employ local people.

“We want to give a very clear message – we are trying to get as man local people involved as we can.”

Stephen Rickwood, joint venture board director off FCC and Alun Griffiths said: “This event is the beginning of the project, putting it out there to the local community and the rest of Wales.

“We want to make sure we don’t miss any companies – lots of people say they ant to employ local companies, but we are actually doing it. It’s a nice thing to do.

“Why would we bring people over from other countries when there’s someone down he road who can do the same job?”

Mark Horley, branch manager for Wilts Wholesale Electrical supply in Ebbw Vale and Newport, said: “We are here today to see what we can to get involved in the project in terms of electricals.

“It’s very much something we would lie to get involved in – our premises are just behind the site.”

The main racetrack will be approximately 3.5 miles long. There will also be a 4x4 circuit, international kart track and motocross track. The development will include a technology park and a leading motor sport race academy will also be created to develop young Welsh, British and European elite riders and drivers.

Work is set to start in the new year.