Local businesses urged to benefit from world sporting events

Small and medium-sized businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being urged to find out more about opportunities arising from the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games alone are expected to generate 75,000 business opportunities, while the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 will also be significant.

Now, Highlands and Islands businesses which may wish to bid for some of this work can book to attend the Scottish launch of the London 2012 Business Network, at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on 4 September 2008.

Organisers Scottish Enterprise say the launch will demonstrate the scale of the opportunity and outline some of the help available for small and medium sized businesses to get a piece of the action. Some Scottish companies have already obtained contracts for London 2012 – and representatives from one will be at the launch event to explain how they did it.

Requirements for the Olympics and Commonwealth Games range across all sectors and the provision of goods and services of every kind.

The Business Network web site - www.london2012.com/get-involved/business-network/index.php - has full details of the types of goods and services which will be required.

The Scottish launch on 4 September gets under way with a buffet lunch at 12.30, followed by the opportunity to learn more from Charles Allen CBE, Chairman, LOCOG Nations and Regions Group, and Sir Robert Smith, Chair of Glasgow 2014 Ltd. Jack Perry, CEO of Scottish Enterprise will also be there and Jim Mather, MSP and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism plans to send a video message.

Attendance is free of charge, but places are limited and will be allocated strictly on a first come basis so make sure you register now by clicking here for the booking form.

Following the formal business there will be an opportunity to take a optional short tour of the non-public areas of the stadium at 16.30 hrs.

Further information on the event is available from Starkevents on 0141 357 2235.