Government hosts Olympic Sponsors’ Summit
Speaking at the Department for Business representatives from Lloyds TSB, Deloitte and BT raised the challenges and opportunities the Games present…
Speaking at the Department for Business representatives from Lloyds TSB, Deloitte and BT raised the challenges and opportunities the Games present to businesses in the UK. They discussed how to tackle issues such as protecting against the expected increase in attacks on business IT networks, how to cope with business continuity issues during periods of high demand and maintaining excellent service to customers during the Games.
These private sector initiatives join the support already available from government, including the Competefor.com website, linking registered companies with Olympic contracts.
UK Trade and Investment can also help those companies that have secured contracts at the games. Through the UKTI Host2Host programme, companies can access the supply opportunities of other major global events maximising their 2012 credentials as part of the legacy of the Games. Beyond 2012 there are contracts at Sochi and Rio Games worth up to $60 billion.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said:
“The London Games are generating billions of pounds worth of contracts throughout the supply chain, securing new business for firms and powering their growth for the long term. This is an opportunity that no company can afford to miss out on.
“I am delighted that these three sponsors of the Games are joining with government to support businesses as they prepare for 2012. There is a lot that businesses can learn from one another and I hope today’s event is just the first of many, where the companies of all sizes can come together to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists in the business community.”
LOCOG Procurement Director Gerry Walsh also spoke at the event. He emphasized that there are still huge opportunities for companies that have not yet secured an Olympic contract, with significant LOCOG contracts still to be awarded and the prospect to work on the torch relay.
LOCOG head of procurement Gerry Walsh said:
“There are many contract opportunities still to be won - and these contracts will be awarded to companies of all sizes, from multi-nationals to SME’s. Our priority when awarding contracts is value for money - and total commitment to London 2012.”
The Olympic Sponsor Summit took place today, Tuesday 2nd November 2010 at the BIS Conference Centre in Westminster. It was attended by nearly 200 delegates from SMEs throughout the UK.
Notes to editors:
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Speakers at this event included Mark Prisk, Business Minister, Gerry Walsh, Head of Procurement, LOCOG, Jon Lane, Business Development and Partnership Director, BT London 2012, Chris Daniels, Head of London 2012 Activation, Lloyds Banking Group, Wholesale and Heather Hancock, Lead partner for London 2012, Deloitte.
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Companies interested in applying for 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games contracts can sign up to the CompeteFor web portal at www.competefor.com
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The Olympic Games are creating opportunities which are spread more across the regions, and through those sectors where the UK is strong and can add real value. 50% of all the existing Olympic contracts have been won by companies outside London.
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Early analysis of the CompeteFor data base shows that companies registering on CompeteFor for Games opportunities are looking to grow. Indeed 40% of companies registered on CompeteFor say they have invested in their company as a result of that registration.
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The draw of the Games is such that over 10% of this Country’s high growth companies are registered on CompeteFor.
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UKTI’s Host 2 Host programme maximises the economic benefits of hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, by creating links and sharing best practice with previous and future host cities of Olympic Games and other major sporting events.
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This programme capitalises on the UK’s shared status as a host nation to develop further trading links and investment opportunities.
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Agreements have been signed with British Columbia (2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games), Sochi in Russia (2014 Olympic and Paralympics Games), South Africa (2010 Football World Cup), Singapore (2010 Olympic Youth Games), Brazil (2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games)
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Further help and support from UKTI for Companies wanting to explore export opportunities.
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BIS’ online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Notes to Editors
Contact Information
Name BIS Press Office Job Title
Division COI Phone
Fax
Mobile
Email NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Name Lucy-Michael Sutton Job Title
Division Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Phone 020 7215 5977 Fax
Mobile