'Talk up' Olympics benefits, UK businesses urged

British firms will be in line for lucrative contracts to supply hundreds of tonnes of food and 250,000 toilet rolls to athletes if the UK stages the Olympic Games in 2012, the head of London’s bid said today.

Barbara Cassani spelled out the business opportunities when she appealed for help to leading businessmen and women.

She told 2,000 delegates at the annual convention of the Institute of Directors the capital’s bid would not succeed without the help of people across the country.

Millions of pounds needed to be raised just to make the bid, said Ms Cassani, who outlined the business opportunities of London being chosen ahead of rivals including New York, Paris and Moscow.

The athletes will need 330 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, 100 tonnes of meat and 250,000 toilet rolls because of the “tremendous scale” of the sporting event.

Tens of thousands of volunteers would also be needed to help stage the Games.

Ms Cassani called on the business community to “talk up” the benefits and attractions of London during their travels around the world.