Everyone has a chance to benefit from the Olympics

This week the first of the big five Olympic venues was completed, marking the start of what will be an unparalleled opportunity for UK hospitality.

Images of athletes - and Mayor Boris Johnson - cycling round the 6,000-seater velodrome that will host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic indoor cycling and BMX illustrate how close the country is coming to being ready for the main event.

But along with the world class facilities, we must also prepare a world class welcome for visitors to ensure we make the most of this unique opportunity. Around the country hospitality operators should start planning and preparing if they are to profit. Though the main stadia are in London, events around the country during the games will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get involved.

Seven key events are taking place outside the capital, with two of the most sought after for tickets - the rowing and canoe slalom - expected to attract some 30,000 spectators a day. In addition, the Olympic Flame will be carried on a 70-day journey around the country, passing within a one hour journey of 95% of the population. And with sites across the UK, from Edinburgh to Plymouth, where big screens will provide a focal point for the games, there is a real incentive for operators to make sure they are geared up to profit.

With that in mind, this week we focus on the opportunities outside London as part of our Profiting from 2012 campaign (p32). You can find details of all the regional events and how to make the most of them, along with 10 steps to making sure your preparations are world class.

As part of the campaign we will be following three businesses as they build up to the Olympics, introducing each operator to mentors that will make sure they're fit to make the most of the games. Wherever you are in the country, if you think your business could profit from the resources Caterer can call on, then get in touch.

By James Stagg

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