Jerry Blackett: Olympics still needs runners

Nov 26 2010 By Jerry Blackett

I was reminded the other day about the sheer scale of the 2012 Olympics following an event in London organised by LOGOC, the London Organising Committee of the Paralympic Games.

West Midlands businesses are amongst the most successful in the country outside of the South East for having won business from LOGOC and the Tier 1 suppliers o the Games. The good news is that there is still more business to be had.

The parallels between sport and business can be overdone. What is common is that the vast majority of athletes will never pick up an Olympic medal and few business people will achieve the success of a Sir Richard Branson. But in both cases, it is the taking part that really matters. Being the best you can be carries a satisfaction all of its own.

For those businesses, like the athletes, who have a vision and a determination to succeed, then seeking to participate in the 2012 Games is definitely worth a look.

With a further round of procurement totalling £250 million up for grabs, it remains the case that SMEs outside of London are welcome to bid – a fact LOCOG was keen to promote. SMEs have done well so far, taking 67 per cent of the 2012 procurement as of September.

The scale of the event is eye-watering. NBC, the American media network, is stationing 3,000 staff here for six months, part of the 20,000 expected media staff.

Eleven million tickets are likely to be sold, 70,000 volunteers required to assist, 693 pre-games training camps created, 34 venues in the competition, 20 million public transport trips. It goes on. If you are in the South-east and need security staff, or a hotel room during the games you may have to think again.

Birmingham will be hosting both the Jamaican and US track and field teams during 2012. Great profile for the city and estimated to be worth £15 million to the local economy.

With just over 600 days to go there are still good procurement opportunities. Cast your eye over what tenders are available. Opportunities can be found at www.competefor.com.

* Jerry Blackett is chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce