I recently headed to the Olympic Park, along with about 30 other business people from the East Midlands, to find out more about the range of London 2012 business opportunities that are available.

Once at the Park I was hugely impressed with the progress that is being made on the construction of the venues. This is a view also shared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who described the progress as ‘outstanding’ following their recent visit to the Park.

Back at London 2012 headquarters we met a number of ‘tier one’ contractors who talked about the way that they appoint suppliers to work with them.

We also met with representatives from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), who are building the Park and surrounding infrastructure, and the London Organising Committee (LOCOG), responsible for preparing and staging the 2012 Games.

Both provided the delegates with an overview of the opportunities available, advice about how businesses should go about pitching for contracts and how to maximise CompeteFor (the chosen website for the publication of Games-related business opportunities).

After a successful visit I returned back home to Nottingham and reflected on how the 2012 Games represent a unique chance for companies in the East Midlands to benefit from the development of the Park itself and from the associated services and products required.

A number of regional businesses are already undertaking work for the Games, but, as I witnessed on the visit, there are many others that could potentially benefit.

Therefore I would encourage them to look into the opportunities that are available in staging the world’s biggest sporting event.

The credit crunch is hitting businesses across the UK so it's got to be a good thing these opportunities are available, right? Leave your comments below.

For more information on London 2012 business opportunities and to find out about CompeteFor please visit the London 2012 Business Network.