The much-promised legacy of the 2012 Olympics may appear much further afield than East London, with news that UK companies are already winning big contracts for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, London’s successful summer of sport has put UK firms in the box seat to win contracts with future international events.
So far, 22 British companies have won 36 contracts for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games (all to be held in Brazil), which together amount to over £70 million.
Projects include urban and transport planning for nine World Cup host cities, the Olympic Park master plan design contract, and communications and IT facilities.
Prime Minister David Cameron has led a trade mission of 58 companies to Brazil, where he brought British companies together with key decision-makers in Rio 2016 at a special summit on hosting sporting events.
Britain wants to make the most of its experience as hosts of London 2012 to strengthen its relationship with Brazil and deliver an economic legacy for the UK, he explained.
Research published by Deloitte reveals that more than a quarter of British firms (28%) believe the successful delivery of London 2012 will help UK firms boost their exports to the host countries of future major events.
The research also found that 50% of companies feel the Games have increased confidence in British companies’ ability to deliver large infrastructure projects.
