London 2012 blog

Yesterday I took part in a discussion with 90 people from the UK’s Turkish communities on how they can benefit and become involved in 2012 Games. The Turkish community has a significant presence in the UK, especially in London. Anybody who knows areas like Hackney, Waltham Forest, and Islington in London will be fully aware of the social and cultural influence the Turkish community has. What was noticeable from last night's event was the hunger for information on the Games and the desire for the Turkish community play an integral role, whether it be through employment, business, volunteering, or contributing to the cultural programme.

There was a great interest in how Turkish businesses can get involved in contracts and sub-contracting opportunities generated by the Games, especially as a lot of Turkish businesses are concentrated in the textile, tourism, catering and food and service sectors . I was keen to stress that most important thing businesses can do now is sign up to the London 2012 e-alert service that can be found on www.london2012.com/business to receive all the latest information on opportunities and events generated by London 2012.

The key for businesses now is getting 'fit to supply' – finding out what they need to successfully tender for opportunities coming out of the Games. The importance of organisations like the Regional Development Agencies and other business support agencies is paramount as they can provide the advice and guidance businesses need.

If you haven’t yet, I would encourage you get in contact with your Regional Development Agency and links to them can be found on www.london2012.com/business.

I have no doubt that this event will be one of a number with the Turkish community over the next few years. But it will also be part of a wider programme of engagement with the UK’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities.

A key strength of London’s successful bid was image of a “world in one city” and we want ensure that all communities who wish to participate in the Games have the information and knowledge they need.

A key to this will be how we work in partnership to maximise the messages and information we want to businesses to have, and working in partnership with established organisations as we did yesterday.