London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe and Olympics Minister Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP also spoke at the meeting. Discussion focused on how the partners will be making the most of their sponsorship programmes in light of the current economic climate, the significance of talent within global businesses and how they can leverage their partnerships to ensure the Games can create a business legacy after 2012.

The Chairman’s Club has been created by London 2012 sponsor Deloitte, the professional advisory firm, and Think London, London’s foreign direct investment agency. Today’s meeting was chaired by Heather Hancock, Managing Partner of Deloitte and the group shared with the Prime Minister a view from leading businesses on the business leadership and talent strategies that can give companies a competitive edge in challenging economic conditions.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of LOCOG, said: 'We had some great British and international companies round the table today, all looking at how their association with the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will have a meaningful impact across the UK – as well as work for them on a commercial level. In these challenging times, we all need to look at creative ways in which we can make the most of these partnerships. Hosting the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games offers opportunities and it is fantastic to be part of this group of world-class companies, working together to discuss how the Games can provide focus and impetus in their business planning until 2012 – and beyond.'

Tessa Jowell, Minster for the Olympics, said: 'We are fortunate enough to have some of the world’s most successful and enterprising businesses backing our Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Their sponsorship will bring invaluable commercial insight and expertise to the delivery of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and its legacy. I very much welcome the opportunity to discuss with the sponsors their ambitions for the Games and the ways in which we can develop this partnership to ensure maximum benefits from the Games both now and in the future.'

John Connolly, CEO of Deloitte in the UK and Global Chairman of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, said: 'Deloitte are delighted to be leading the Chairman’s Club. There is huge business intellect in the London 2012 sponsor businesses. We want to harness this - for the benefit of the Games themselves, and to make a wider contribution. In tough economic times, it’s even more important as UK business leaders that we share business approaches and insights between the sponsors. That way, we can maximise our joint contribution to the London 2012 effort, and create a stronger business legacy for the country from the Games.'

Michael Charlton, chief executive officer at Think London, said: 'We are delighted to have the opportunity to create a business forum with Deloitte and LOCOG – another first for London 2012 as it has not been done at previous Games. Not only will the Chairman’s Club create a network of genuine value for global chairmen of the London 2012 sponsor organisations, but it will also create an opportunity for the sponsors to collectively discuss and agree actions on how they as business leaders can contribute to the legacy of 2012 in London.'

Think London is already working with a number of the London 2012 sponsors to support them with expansion plans in the run-up to the 2012 Games.


– Ends –

Notes to Editors

Membership of the Chairman’s Club is open to chief executives and chairmen representing the IOC International Partners, London 2012 Official Partner and Official Supporter commercial organisations, currently:

Worldwide partners: Coca Cola, Acer, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Visa

London 2012 Official Partners: adidas, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF Energy, Lloyds TSB, Nortel

London 2012 Official Supporters: Deloitte, Cadbury

In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms. Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (‘DTT’), a Swiss Verein, whose member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.co.uk\about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTT and its member firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.
For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100

Deloitte Contact: Katie Broome/ Jo Ouvry 020 7303 0023 / 020 7303 4820
kbroome@deloitte.co.uk / jouvry@deloitte.co.uk