News

Businesses failing to prepare for Olympic disruption

23/06/2012

By Daniel Hunter

UK companies are failing to prepare for the major disruption this year’s Olympics could cause, new research has shown.

Almost 90% of small to medium-sized businesses admitted they had done little to plan for the predicted upheaval the six week-long tournament will create for customers and staff.

Those questioned said that whilst they were aware that businesses were being advised to get ready for the impact, they had not given any serious thought as to how they would cope with late-running transport, supplier delays due to transport restrictions and possible workplace restrictions for those businesses close to the sporting venues.

The survey was carried out by network support company Lifeline IT, as part of an initiative to raise awareness with its clients and offer them guidance on how to ensure they are best prepared for the games.

Lifeline IT questioned companies from sectors including retail, property and finance to establish what preparations they had made, including whether home and remote working has been organised and how they would cope with delivery disruption or emergency system failures.

Around 10 million tickets have been sold for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which run from July 27th to September 9th and involve 37 venues, predominantly around London, attracting over 200 countries.

As part of the preparations for the event, the Olympics’ organising committee has encouraged companies to plan in advance for any adverse impact the games may have on businesses.

Following the results of its survey, Lifeline IT is now advising clients on key procedures they need to put in place to ensure business operations can still function during the event.

Said Lifeline IT founder and director Adam Woolf: “The Olympics is a fantastic opportunity for business, but at the same time it also presents some logistical challenges. ... continued on page two >

Rate

Bookmark

•  Read latest news
  • - Are businesses failing to prepare for the future? »
  • - Apple remains the world's most valuable brand »
  • - £350 million lost each year to exaggerated expenses »
•  Watch exclusive videos
  • - Great British Entrepreneur Awards »
  • - Brighton SEO conference »
  • - Brighton SEO, Fili Wiese, Alfredo Pulvirenti, Jonas Weber »
•  Email this to a friend
•  Print this news