Strict marketing restrictions to protect Games sponsors mean construction companies have not been able to publicise their efforts on the 2012 sites.
That situation was attacked by Olympic Delivery Authority chairman Sir John Armitt in his report into the 2012 construction programme which was published today.
The report demanded that “Government should take urgent action to ensure that marketing restrictions applying to London 2012 suppliers are relaxed as soon as possible after the conclusion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The Government confirmed that it is now in talks with the British Olympic Association and International Olympic Committee to “find a way to ensure that contractors and subcontractors can seek a form of recognition of their superb contribution to the Games to support them in competing for new contract opportunities.”
It added: “We hope to have a workable solution in place through which supplier companies can make reference to the work they have undertaken by the end of 2012.”
The report was compiled after questioning 250 firms who worked on the Olympic Park.
Sir John said: “My report is designed to help Government and businesses take the crucial next steps to ensure that working on London 2012 is the start, not the end, of this success story.
“We need the right support and ideas in place to take this forward, with a determination to overcome barriers that do exist – to ensure that nothing stops British business winning gold time and time again.”
The report’s findings include:
- More than two thirds of businesses said working on London 2012 had enhanced their reputation.
- More than a third of 2012 suppliers surveyed said they had already won new business due to the Games.
- Nearly half said their company’s financial situation had been enhanced by working on London 2012.
- Around three quarters anticipated future work at home and abroad as a result of London 2012.
- More than two thirds of large businesses said it increased their ability to take on big projects.
- More than 40 per cent said they were in a stronger position to win work on other sports projects.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Government should adopt the principles of the procurement and programme management approach used by the ODA.
- UKTI should maximise the promotion of British business achievements in delivering major sporting events.
- The Government should take urgent action to ensure that marketing restrictions applying to London 2012 suppliers are relaxed as soon as possible after the Games.
- The CompeteFor network should be retained for all public sector projects.
- The ODA’s Learning Legacy website should be continued after the Games and broadened to include other successful projects.
- Small and medium-sized businesses need more help to access existing support in working overseas.