The Olympics and the possibilities for UK business

During August 2012, the Olympic Games in London and the South East of England will be playing host to 15,000 athletes, 50,000 volunteers and 800,000 visitors. And that's just while the Games are taking place.

Many visitors and athletes will be in the country for much longer than that. They'll need places to stay, food and drink, entertainment, travel and much more. And all those hotels, restaurants, theme parks, gardens and other obvious business winners will need more supplies than ever before.

So how can you take advantage of the business opportunities here?

Start by visiting the web sites of your council, Business Link and other local business groups. They're all beginning to give advice on taking part in the Games.

CompeteFor is the recognised place to go to win major contracts. And here you can find out who has won the larger contracts so that you can offer your services to their businesses. Supply2Gov (soon to be replaced by contractsfinder) also offers news on contracts. These sites involve some form-filling, but you can get helpful advice from Business Link on how to get started. And if you're in Surrey, UK, your best place to start could be the web site devoted to Surrey businesses and the Games.

Put together a marketing strategy. What can you offer in the way of added value to visitors? A brochure describing sites to see and fun to be had during a visit to the area could be really appealing to visitors who are here on holiday to see the Games. 

When did you last refresh your brochure? Do you have a themed page on your web site that focuses on the Games and the services you offer? Are you including the keywords that will drive visitors to your site?

Are you able to promote what you offer through advertising, travel sites, forums, press releases and more?

Are you aware of the restrictions on words and images you're allowed to use in your own materials?

This is going to be a tremendous opportunity for those who can take advantage of the massive market around the Games.

And if you'd like help with refreshing and writing your marketing materials, do get in touch with us at Wrightwell.