London 2012 - Is your business ready?

In the autumn of 2010, we highlighted a lack of preparedness among UK businesses for London 2012. Back then, two thirds of those we spoke to said they expected no impact on business as usual. Businesses in previous host cities had underestimated the impact of the Games, so we knew this picture needed to change.

We issued a wake-up call imploring businesses to think through the impacts of London 2012 on customer demand, supplies and suppliers, business continuity plans, and availability of staff. We emphasised that the Games last for a combined 29 days over a six week period. By May 2011, the picture had improved, with 42% of the companies surveyed having already examined the opportunities and challenges.

There are now fewer than 200 days to go until the greatest show on Earth begins, and our third wave of research presents a more positive picture. Confidence in the economic benefits of the Games is high, whilst 87% of companies have conducted, or are conducting, their readiness assessments. Businesses also appear to be getting to grips with the two big people-related challenges - availability and engagement.

However, this is not the time to rest on our laurels. Now is the time to make sure readiness planning is rigorous - from reviewing business continuity plans to building agility into our operations to cope with unexpected events during the Games.

We hope the insights contained in our last special edition of The State of Play before the Games will help you to refine and test your plans, and enjoy the build-up.

Please contact Craig James, London 2012 Sponsorship Manager, for more information.