Invest NI has hired a London-based specialist to help local construction companies tender for contracts building London's new Crossrail project

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster made the announcement at a "meet the buyer" event held in the House of Lords last week which brought together local firms with twelve buyers from major contractors.

Nick Turberville will be based in London and will be charged with raising awareness there about the capabilities and experience of the Northern Ireland construction and civil engineering sector.

He previously worked for CompeteFor - an organisation which acts as a brokerage between private sector companies and organisations such as Transport for London, Crossrail and the Metropolitan Police.

"Nick has relevant experience from his work on construction projects associated with the London Olympics," Mrs Foster said.

"The programme he is now developing with Invest NI's Trade team will include a series of 'meet the buyer' type events, site visits, one-to-one guidance, support on tender opportunities, requirements and procedures as well as lead generation.

"It is essential that Northern Ireland shares in the projected £15 billion boost to the UK economy and the additional 30,000 new jobs that Crossrail is projected to provide."

Contractors attending last week's London event included Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall, Ferrovial Kier, Carillion, Costain, EdF,and Morgan Sindall alongside 40 local companies.

"While the Crossrail project is likely to offer the greatest opportunities to construction and civil engineering from the development of a vast network of underground tunnels, modern stations and other facilities, I am convinced that there is scope for Northern Ireland companies in other sectors to benefit from this unprecedented investment in the creation of a world class and affordable railway that will help solve the city's public transport congestion," Mrs Foster added.