2012 What's in it for Dorset?

For some small and medium sized businesses this may well be their first opportunity for a major contract, for others, 2012 could provide an introduction to partners and investors that will take them to the next level of regional, national and international exposure leading to sales in new markets. Remember the opportunity is for showcasing local businesses on the world stage, providing a unique window to enhance the delivery and production of products and services.

The vast majority of contracts will be awarded from mid-2007 onwards. Businesses from all sectors including construction and associated trades, manufacturing, catering, merchandise, retail, business and financial services, tourism, media and creative industries will be needed in London and around the UK. The experience of Sydney 2000 demonstrated how New South Wales businesses won the equivalent of £400m in contracts for the Games with over £115m going to regional businesses in the rest of Australia. Also, more than 55,000 people received employment-related training in skills and trades.

The experience of getting businesses ready for 2012 could be more important than actual sales achieved. It can offer businesses the opportunity to transform themselves and the experience could move them to a higher level of performance with new market opportunites and greater knowledge of their marketplace. The 2012 Games present an unprecedented opportunity to showcase businesses to a wider market making them prime candidates for sustainable growth and investment.