MP ENCOURAGES LOCAL FIRMS TO COMPETE FOR OLYMPIC BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

5.30.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jun 2008

Local MP Michael Moore has encouraged businesses in the Borders to take advantage of a new network which will allow them to compete for the business opportunities that will be created by the Olympic Games in 2012.

His call comes on the back of the campaign to see wood from Borders' sustainable forests used during the 2012 Games, as well as the efforts by Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale MSP, Jeremy Purvis, to ensure that Glentress Forest is used as an approved training ground for the mountain biking team.

The Olympic Organising Committee has recently launched the 2012 Business Network, which aims to outline the business opportunities that will arise from the Games and how companies can go about competing for contracts. So far over 18,000 companies have signed up for the scheme with companies already beginning to successfully compete, and win, contracts after using the system. As part of the network, a strong Nations and Regions Group has been set up to try to ensure that these benefits are spread across the UK into areas such as the Borders.

Mr Moore said:

"It is vital that where possible businesses in the Borders compete for the opportunities that the Olympics will provide. Here we have an opportunity to create a win-win situation. By securing contracts not only will we have the opportunity to showcase Borders businesses but it will also extend the benefits of the Olympics to areas outside London- something the Government keeps telling us they wish to see happen."

More information about the business opportunities associated with the Olympic Games in 2012 is available at www.london2012.com/business.