In 2012 London plays host to the Olympic Games  

Around 7,000 direct contracts are available to businesses. In total this will create supply chains of around 75,000 opportunities.

To find out how your business could get involved and for the latest contracts available visit the London 2012 Business Network.

Background on the London 2012 Olympic bid

London won its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The International Olympic Committee in Singapore made the announcement on 6 July 2005.

London won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the IOC meeting in Singapore, after the elimination of Moscow, New York and Madrid from the original shortlist of five cities. Speaking at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, described the decision as 'tremendous and momentous' for London.'

• Reaction from the Prime Minister on London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics (Number 10 website)
• Statement by the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, on London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics (FCO website)

The London Olympics in 2012 will benefit the whole country. It has the potential to increase sport participation, increase the medal success of our elite athletes, and it will leave a lasting legacy of community facilities. It will also bring benefits in terms of regeneration, investment and tourism.

The blueprint for the London Olympics and Paralympics is based on extensive use of existing venues, rapid transport connections and state-of-the-art sporting facilities linked to sustainable community benefits.

Related links

• London 2012 - Latest News
• London 2012 - 'Be Part of 2012'
• London 2012 - Candidate File
• British Olympic Association
• British Paralympic Association
• International Olympic Committee
• Department for Culture Media and Sport
• UK Sport