Conference will discuss Olympic benefits
OLYMPICS chief Sebastian Coe is to visit Yorkshire to discuss how businesses in Yorkshire can benefit from the 2012 Games.
Lord Coe, who is the chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), will also give an insight into the latest developments on the Olympic Park.
He will be the headline speaker at a Yorkshire Gold Business Club (YGBC) conference, taking place at Valley Parade football stadium in Bradford on June 15.
The conference will provide an opportunity for an update on the latest business opportunities available as a result of London 2012 and what has been described as the golden ‘Decade of Sport’ for the UK, which includes the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2018 World Cup.
The event is open to delegates from businesses across Yorkshire, including SMEs.
The conference will be opened by Gary Verity, chairman of Yorkshire Gold, and presentations will follow from Deloitte, Lloyds TSB, BT, Business Link, YGBC and CO2 Sense.
The speakers will discuss the commercial opportunities available on major projects, how Yorkshire businesses can capitalise on these to the economic benefit of the region and offer advice on how to gain a competitive advantage.
The business event will also offer practical advice including the promotion of the Competefor website, an online ‘business dating’ website that links registered regional businesses with contract opportunities throughout the London 2012 supply chain.
Competefor was set up by Yorkshire Forward, along with the country’s other regional development agencies.
Lauren Pigg, Yorkshire Gold Business Club (YGBC) project manager, said: “This is a fantastic and rare opportunity for companies in Yorkshire and the Humber to hear the latest London 2012 news direct from Lord Coe.
The need for smaller companies and SME engagement in major projects such as the Games is crucial. We hope that our event will help inspire businesses to apply for some of the lucrative contracts available and provide them with practical advice on gaining that competitive advantage and being fit to compete.”
Jim Farmery, assistant director of business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “The presence in the region of someone of the stature of Lord Coe will demonstrate to businesses that there’s still all to play for when it comes to securing contracts for the Games.
“Millions of pounds of contracts are still available to tender for, and we’re doing all we can to make it an easy process for businesses in the regions so that they can benefit from the legacy of the Games.”
To book a place at the free event go to www.ygbc.co.uk or telephone 07595 5642899.
Yorkshire Gold is part of Welcome to Yorkshire, the region’s official tourism body, and is funded by Yorkshire Forward, and is committed to seizing the opportunities of London 2012.
