More than 600 firms go for Olympic gold

MORE than 600 businesses learned how they could take part in the London 2012 Olympics at a special Yorkshire Gold Business Club (YGBC) event.

The day-long showcase, which marked YGBC’s launch, attracted a broad spectrum of sectors including finance, construction, healthcare and technology.

So far, 113 firms have agreed to sign up with YGBC putting them on the starting block for upcoming Olympic contracts.

Total contracts amounting to some £9.3bn have been identified by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and companies in the region have an equal opportunity to compete for and win related contracts against world class competition.

Olympic gold medal winning kayaker, Tim Brabants and Danielle Brown, Paralympics archery gold medallist were also at the show to give personal insight into the games.

Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn, who spoke at the event at York Racecourse, said there was a significant amount of business to go for in relation to 2012 and it was important that the region’s firm realised the opportunity.

“Our region boasts an impressive range of world class skills that are ideally suited to the kind of contracts London 2012 is looking to award and the Yorkshire Gold Business Club will provide the gateway to ensuring businesses are in the best possible shape to secure these,” he added.

YGBC, which is managed by Yorkshire Forward funded VEN Operations, will help SMEs identify, negotiate and secure contracts from the ODA by offering tailor made support and maximising industry specific opportunities that are exclusive to the club.

Businesses joining the YGBC as Gold, Silver or Bronze members will also have use of YGBC’s Canary Wharf office.