NORFOLK is in pole position to benefit from the economic spin-offs brought by the London Olympics including a share of a £2.1bn tourism dividends.That was the message sounded by Olympic minister Tessa Jowell, who was in Norwich in November setting out how the 2012 Games will boost the local economy.
NORFOLK is in pole position to benefit from the economic spin-offs brought by the London Olympics including a share of a £2.1bn tourism dividends.
That was the message sounded by Olympic minister Tessa Jowell, who was in Norwich in November setting out how the 2012 Games will boost the local economy.
At the meeting with 2012 stakeholders, at Norwich City Football Club, the minister heard about the region's plans to capitalise on the Games, including increasing the number of international and business tourists by 3pc a year between 2009 and 2015, and ensuring businesses in the East of England win between 5pc and 10pc of the value of contracts from the 2012 Games and use London 2012 to raise participation in culture and sporting activity.
The minister said that 358 Norfolk firms had signed up for the tendering website CompeteFor out of 4,610 businesses in the region.
Seven Norfolk companies have already won Olympic Development Agency contracts in areas ranging from environmental consultancy, building consultancy and advice on disability issues. In the region there are 61 firms which have secured Olympic deals.
“I think the big ticket items that Norfolk and Norwich have to offer are first of all tourism” she said “And with five sports facilities in Norfolk meeting the tough criteria set for inclusion in the official guide to pre-Games training camps for 2012, the county has a real chance to experience the spirit of the Games right on its doorstep.”
But she said it was important that firms remained competitive and seeking out Olympic-related business opportunities.
“All these opportunities exist, but don't expect them simply to drop in your lap,” she said.
Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber, said: “Businesses need to assess what the opportunities are for them through the Olympics and we recommend they check out the website Compete4 and register their interest.”
Details of Compete4 website are https://www.competefor.com/london2012business/login.jsp
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