Deloitte: Limited window to make most of Olympic opportunities

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

According to a paper from Deloitte, the official professional services provider to London 2012, British business has a limited window to make the most of international opportunities arising from London 2012.

The review identifies that legacy is already being delivered, most visibly through the regeneration of the East End of London.  This regeneration will continue for years after the Games and Deloitte estimates that there are between £2.5bn and £3bn of construction and related services contracts still to be awarded in the Olympic Park and neighbouring development areas.

Deloitte argues that one of the critical success factors will be to maintain ‘Olympic’ delivery and governance structures.  The integration of community, local, city-wide and national delivery structures has been a pioneering success for the UK.  The current programme of integrated Games and legacy planning has been through three Prime Ministers and Whitehall administrations, three Mayoral terms and many more local government changes.

“London 2012 is the biggest single showcase for British business in decades.  A successful event will be noticed by consumers, businesses and governments around the world, giving British companies the opportunity to capitalise on this moment in the spotlight,” said David Sproul, Chief Executive of Deloitte. “Yet, these opportunities will not arrive automatically.  An export boost will require targeted investment and promotion from Government.  In conjunction with individual businesses and trade bodies, the Government must provide leadership and investment to promote the UK’s competitive advantage.”