Trade and investment minister Lord Digby Jones has signed an agreement to ‘put British business on the podium’ for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The agreement will create a business partnering initiative with the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, meaning businesses can share knowledge on how the Olympics ‘can ensure a strong business legacy’.
Lord Digby said the agreement would remind investors of the games’ £12bn pound business potential. “If I may adapt a phrase at this time of US election fever – it’s the investment, stupid,” he said.
During his speech, the minister said he plans to develop an Olympic business strategy, which will include the development of a London 2012 business network, with an ‘online business dating agency’ where companies can profile themselves; free sharing of Olympic business facilities between Olympic countries, and workshops to help businesses realise their potential to bid for contracts.
Lord Digby said the agreement would be an opportunity for host countries to showcase each other’s business expertise for each other’s games.
“One of the key points is that it will create networking events between host countries, enabling the possibility of business partnerships to be made for the Olympics and beyond.
“This is a huge wake up call to every single business in the UK. You only have to look at the enormous business success following Sydney 2000 – AUS$3bn of direct business outcomes,” he added.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
