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Suffolk businesses urged to gear up for the Olympics

Suffolk businesses are being urged to gear up for the Olympics in 2012 and take advantage of the lucrative contracts available for local companies.

Businesses have a lot to gain from the London games – it is estimated nationally there will be £3.8 billion-worth of contracts to be won and up to 10% of these could come to the eastern region. 

Although the games are still five years away, the opportunities are already there. Companies have been invited to register their interest in winning Olympic contracts but so far only 5% of those signing up are from this region.

Lisa Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for economic and cultural development said: “With all the sporting action taking place on our doorstep, Suffolk is in pole position to benefit from this major event, and we want to make sure local businesses don’t miss out.

"We want to see them winning contracts which will help them flourish and expand, but to do that they need to register on the Olympics site.

“So far only a few of the bigger contracts have been awarded, but there will be plenty of opportunities for smaller firms to be involved as partners, sub-contractors or suppliers. 

“The Olympic Development Agency, who will decide which companies win contracts, says most opportunities will become available next year.”  

The Olympics website offers plenty of information and advice on business opportunities linked to the games and there is an opportunity to receive e-mail alerts every time a new contract is available. www.london2012.com/business

Events are also being organised. On Tuesday 6 November, The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is hosting ‘Destination Growth 07’ – a networking event aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.

The day, being held at Duxford, near Cambridge, includes an impressive line-up of internationally-recognised speakers, including Jerry Greenfield, founder of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Doug Richard, former dragon on Dragon’s Den. http://www.eeda.org.uk/ 

On Tuesday 27 November there will be a workshop exploring the opportunities for rural businesses linked to the games. Organised by the Country Land and Business  Association, the event is being held at the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket. http://www.cla.org.uk/