This new online service, including a groundbreaking 'business dating agency' called CompeteFor aims to encourage companies to compete for business opportunities which will help deliver the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The event included a panel discussion featuring specialist speakers advising South East firms from a wide range of sectors - on how they can boost their performance and maximise their chance of gaining access to contract opportunities worth an estimated £6 billion.

Over 3,100 companies in the South East have registered to receive e-alerts about London 2012 procurement opportunities. Even in these early stages with four years to go, 88 companies or organisations based in the South East have supplied the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) from hotels, hi-tech engineers, office suppliers, management consultancies and printers.

The event provided practical advice to businesses, explaining what to do and how companies in the South East can compete for London 2012 direct and supply chain contracts. There was also a demonstration on how to use the new electronic brokerage service CompeteFor . This 'business dating agency' will match companies to thousands of opportunities supplying London 2012 contractors.

CompeteFor, which is co-funded by SEEDA, will also link companies with local Business Link services, which will help boost the long-term competitiveness of companies in the South East. Business Link is running a series of 'Fit to Supply' workshops in February and March, specifically to help businesses get ready to apply for 2012 opportunities.