New Nations and Regions Group to maximise UK-wide opportunities of London 2012 Games

Benefits would include the hosting of preparation camps for visiting teams and the chance to host major sporting and cultural events in the run-up to the Games, tourism, contracting and procurement opportunities, how local people can get involved, and the other potential openings.

The NRG group played an important role in the bid to win the Games by promoting it throughout the UK.

The Group is made up of 12 representatives from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and each English region who will chair a local task force.

Charles Allen CBE said: "In Singapore we made a clear commitment that whilst much of the Games will take place in London, we were determined to make them a Games for the UK. Today is a vital step in engaging the whole of the United Kingdom in our plans for the Games in 2012 and it is a signal that we are ahead of the game.

"The Nations & Regions Group brings together the UK's business and sporting leaders. As Chairman of the Group, I'm confident that through working closely with Seb Coe and all other stakeholders, the entire UK can both contribute to and gain from the Games," added Allen.

The meeting was addressed by Keith Mills, Deputy Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, (LOCOG) about business opportunities and LOCOG's branding and sponsorship programme.

Mr Mills spoke about how tourism has emerged as one of the key economic legacies for host cities and countries that have staged the Games. Mr Mills also outlined LOCOG's plans to attract sponsors and the need to protect the Olympic brand.

Julia Bracewell OBE, Chair of SportScotland and the Scottish Nations and Regions representative said: "I am delighted to be able to represent Scotland on the NRG today. It is an important early step in a seven-year phase. Scotland resoundingly backed the bid, and now we need to ensure we work together to achieve the benefits in Scotland and across the UK."

Stephen Castle from the East of England Development Agency and the East region representative said: "Not only can the rest of the United Kingdom seize the opportunities that the Games present, but regions like the East of England can also make a contribution to delivering the best Games ever. I'm confident that the Nations & Regions Group will give us the platform to work together in the future."

Tim Cantle-Jones, Chairman of One North East and the North East Regional Sports Board and the North East's representative commented: "Support from the whole of the UK was vital in helping to win the Games for London in 2012. I am therefore delighted to have the opportunity on behalf of the North East to continue to work together, with Charles and the Nations & Regions Group, to ensure the benefits of the Games are shared throughout the country."

The meeting happened on the day that the UK was crowned as the world's "best for business" by the 2005 Milken Institute Capital Access Index*.

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For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on 020 7093 5100.

*The UK was rated as the top place in the world to do business by the 2005 Milken Institute Capital Access Index ahead of Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States.