Old Trafford was a fitting location for the event. One of the most famous football grounds in the world and home to Manchester United, it will be one of the venues hosting Football for the 2012 Games. As well as Richard and myself, other speakers at the event included John Armitt, Seb Coe and Tessa Jowell. Around 600 people attended, mainly representing business, and the response to the launch was really encouraging.
The Business Network consists of three core elements, including online access to information on London 2012 procurement and sub-contracting activity, plus details of a national programme of business events run by London 2012.
The main part of the Network is CompeteFor, the chosen website of London 2012 for the publication of Games-related opportunities. CompeteFor acts as a brokerage service between buyers and potential suppliers throughout the London 2012 supply chain. It’s expected that up to a fifth of London 2012 supply chain opportunities will go through the CompeteFor system.
It’s fantastic to see that of some 500 contracts (worth over £1 billion) already awarded, 98 per cent have gone to British companies, with over half won by mostly small- and medium- sized companies based outside of London. This really highlights how the Games can benefit everyone throughout the UK. Businesses outside London are already seeing the rewards.
My Olympics
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