In four years, the Olympics Games will start in the host City, London bringing lots of people, lots of sponsors and lots of commercial contracts. But what does it mean for small businesses? A new report questions if the Olympics Games are really going to have a positive impact on their business or whether all the contracts are going to go to multinational companies?
A survey from the Open University Business School based on the responses received from a panel of over 350 small businesses has thrown up some interesting results.
The businesses were asked to give their opinions about the business impact of the Olympics Games and about their personal interest and involvement in the London 2012 Games.
According to the report a majority of respondents (66%) felt that the games are unlikely to have any material impact on their businesses, and only 18% excpected a moderately positive impact.
Retail/distribution respondents were those most likely to anticipate positive impacts (each 26%), in comparison with those in business services (14%)
In general, the respondents felt that such benefits would be restricted mainly to the South East of the country.
And when it comes to personal interest in the Games, women win first place.
Greater interest in the Games was registered amongst female owner-managers (70%) whereas only 50% of males are going to follow the event on TV/radio.
For further information on the report contact b.dash@open.ac.uk
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6 January 2009