New website to help UK businesses compete for Olympic contracts

A new website has been launched by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to help UK businesses compete for contracts ahead of the 2012 Games in London.

The ‘London 2012 Business Network’ site is designed to put larger companies already awarded Olympic contracts, in touch with the small and medium-sized suppliers they may need to carry out work for the Games.

Experts say the London Olympics will provide thousands of business opportunities for firms nationwide with tickets, catering, security, construction and transport amongst the services required.

‘The right to host the Games could make this a ‘golden decade’ for major events in the UK and, therefore, British business,’ said Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the organising committee.

Meanwhile, the committee’s efforts to include smaller enterprises in the international sporting event have been welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Commenting on the launch of the new website, John Wright, FSB national chairman said: ‘We are particularly pleased that large contractors will be compelled to make public, via the network, the sub-contracting opportunities that will be most suited to smaller companies.

‘But this does not guarantee that small businesses outside of large Olympic contractors’ existing supply chains will actually get work.’

He added: ‘The ODA has made a good start with the London 2012 Business Network, but we will be keeping a beady eye on the process in the coming months and years to make sure it delivers genuine opportunities for small businesses.’

Small businesses can register to compete for contracts at www.london2012.com/business.