News

July 20, 2012

Thousands of firms sign up for the British Business Club

More than 4,000 businesses have signed up for the British Business Club — the online network created by UK Trade & Investment, London & Partners, the London Business Network, and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

The network aims to give businesses a range of networking opportunities — including summits and conferences — during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The free online network enables firms of all sizes to connect with business partners, arrange one-to-one meetings, find business events across the UK and promote their expertise. The scheme also offers free temporary membership of the Institute of Directors in London for the duration of the Games.

President of the British Business Club, Sir John Armitt, said: "The British Business Club offers a unique networking tool for UK businesses to capitalise on their involvement in the Olympic Games, particularly in terms of securing work on other major sports events — a fast-growing sector that is creating many new opportunities. British companies, big and small, now have precious experience that they can use to win business at home and abroad."

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, said: "Through the British Business Club, UK companies can use the excitement generated by the world's greatest sporting festival to seek out new clients across the globe. It's a key part of our plan to make sure we realise a business legacy for companies up and down our country from these Games."

Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a social media campaign to gauge how many small firms are open for business during the London 2012 Games. The FSB is concerned about reports that businesses are not expecting to do well during this time, and that some may close for the length of the Games.

Using crowdmap, the FSB will encourage small businesses to drop a pin on a map to tell people via Facebook and Twitter if they are planning to see growth and success during the Games.