27 July 2012

2012 Olympics will showcase ‘the best of Britain’

As the London 2012 Olympics get underway, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has highlighted the Games as an opportunity to showcase the ‘best of Britain’ and provide a much-needed boost for British business.

Commenting on the opening of the Games, John Longworth, BCC Director General, said, ‘We believe the Olympics will provide a timely confidence boost for businesses, particularly in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and for the UK economy as a whole’.

‘The “feel-good factor” surrounding the Games is especially critical in the wake of the very poor GDP statistics released earlier in the week,’ he added.

Mr Longworth said that the relaxation of Sunday trading laws will help many businesses to make the most of the increase in tourist numbers generated by the Games.

However, he warned that the Games may not be good news for all businesses, with some firms potentially experiencing reduced productivity as a result of the impact of road congestion, increased staff absence, and delayed deliveries.

‘Olympic organisers and government ministers must stay in close contact with business to minimise disruptions, and ensure that the Games are more of a help than a hindrance to the UK economy,’ he said.

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