According to a new survey, less than half of all London hotels, restaurants and bars are expecting to benefit from the 2012 games.
Despite an estimated £2 billion tourism boost for London alone, a CBI/ KPMG survey has found that 44 per cent of London businesses are less than enthusiastic about the forthcoming games.
CBI Director-General, Richard Lambert, says this is because businesses are yet to “wake up to the opportunities on offer.”
“The 2012 Games are a once in a lifetime opportunity for London and we should make every effort to ensure they are a roaring success and deliver a lasting legacy for the UK,” he said. “I urge those who are sceptical to look at how they can get involved in the games, both commercially and in the community.”
Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Managing Director, David Sykes, said: "The Olympic Games will bring more people to the Capital than ever before - surely this can only be a good thing for London`s hospitality industry. We have 24 London restaurants, so we`re bound to feel the benefits of the hundreds of thousands of visitors the Games will attract to the city."
The CBI has also identified ways in which London can maximise the commercial opportunities that come with hosting the games, and include promoting London as a top tourist and business destination, while improving the quality and service offered by hotels and conference centres.
Liz Williams, Managing Director of London restaurants, The Real Greek, said: "The 2012 Olympic games can only be positive for London restaurants, as it will bring more people to the City, meaning more diners. Being so close to the planned regeneration site in East London, The Real Greek restaurants in Spitalfields and Hoxton should benefit from the Games. So the Games are good news all round and hopefully Greece will win some medals to boot!"
County councils across the UK are currently offering schemes to help provide staff training to improve customer service skills in time for the games. Contact your local council to see what you can do to prepare your business in time.
What are you doing to prepare your business for the 2012 games? Leave your comment below by clicking on `Add a Comment`.