Plenty of business opportunities to come from London 2012 Games

The message to London's business community was that there would be hundreds, if not thousands of contracts to be tendered from next year right through to 2012 and organisations should use the next 12 months to get their businesses ready for competitive tendering.

"Businesses have not missed the boat on contracts. The ODA will begin procuring its major contracts from the middle of next year and the main bulk of the organising committee's contracts will kick in from 2009 right up to 2012," said Deighton.

"Our task at the organising committee will be to procure the goods and services needed for the staging of the Games from temporary structures and sports equipment to food, furniture and flags for the athletes village and sports venues," he added.

Deighton also warned businesses about getting the right advice.

"We are getting alarmed at some of the conferences that are being run claiming to be able to give delegates the inside track on business opportunities for the Games," said Deighton.

"There are a number of conferences that we will organise and other that we will speak at, but we urge businesses to do some due diligence before paying hefty sums to money to attend conferences that may not deliver quite what they claim."

To help businesses identify which conferences are being supported by Games organisers London 2012 today announced that it would list on its website the key conferences that the London 2012 team have agreed to speak at.

"We want businesses to have the best information available so we have dedicated part of our website to providing that information: www.london2012.com/business

"We will continue to work with the Regional Development Agencies, business organisations and groups and our Nations and Regions Group to deliver the information businesses want," added Deighton.

Chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority Jack Lemley said: "The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of business in this country in many different areas.

"It is important we work in partnership and that businesses understand what we are doing and when we are doing it. That is why I was speaking to business leaders in the West Midlands yesterday and together with Paul Deighton, met leaders of the London business community today. Our relationship with business is one we attach the highest importance to as we move forward"

Harvey McGrath, Chair of London First said: "London business strongly supports the 2012 Games and the benefits they bring to London before, during and after 2012.

"We are building strong relationships with the Olympic delivery organisations, working with them to maximise business opportunities and deliver the best possible legacy for London."

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For further information please call the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit www.london2012.com