As the countdown to the 2012 Olympics begins, businesses across the UK are being urged to plan ahead now to make sure they are prepared for any disruption during July, August and September next year.
London will experience travel disruption during both the main Games and the Paralympics, with a large number of planned road closures to create an Olympic Route Network for competitors, official and VIPs. Olympic venues will be spread across the city, from Wembley to south of the river in Wimbledon.
The Olympic Delivery Authority, however, believe that many businesses across the country have underestimated the potential impact of the Games, despite officials warning that the Olympics are 'the largest peacetime logistical exercise that any country can undertake.'
In a news report by the Evening Standard, Mark Ever, director of Games Transport at TfL, said:
'Introducing flexible working hours or arranging deliveries at different times where it will not be possible during the day are some of the options available. Planning ahead will be invaluable.'
And it's not just businesses in the capital then need to prepare ahead of next summer's events; the Games have wide-ranging implications on businesses across the UK. HR policies will need to be reviewed to accommodate staff members looking to visit or volunteer at the Games and companies are also advised to make it clear whether live TV coverage will be allowed to be watched during office hours.
An industry that stands to benefit from the Olympics is the tourist trade, with thousands of visitors to London also looking to explore other areas of the country. In particular, Scottish businesses are being urged to consider the potential to double the length of their peak visitor season in 2012. In a report by the BBC, David Bell, lead partner for London 2012 at Deloitte in Scotland, warned:
'There seems to be a misconception among businesses in Scotland that because the 2012 Games are being held in London, the risks and opportunities for businesses up here are negligible. This is far from the case.'
We've put together some top tips to help businesses and every kind and location kick-start their preparations for London 2012:
Review Staff Working Arrangements
Transport options will be stretched during the summer months in London and the surrounding areas. Consider allowing staff to work remotely from home and setting up teleconferences to replace meetings during the period. Ask staff to submit holiday requests as early as possible to ensure days off are distributed fairly and that staffing levels remain adequate.
Build IT strategy
Increased usage of local internet and mobile networks over the Games could potentially affect your business. If you're planning to allow staff to work remotely or to stream live events whilst in the office, it may be time to consider whether your bandwidth is likely to withstand the increased pressure.
Check Supply Chains
Some of your suppliers may be under contract to the Olympics, which will take priority during the summer months. From disruption to business energy supplies, to ink refills for the printers, contact your suppliers about any potential delays to their service, purchasing insurance if needed to ensure you are not left on a waiting list of a contractor if you have an emergency.
London will experience travel disruption during both the main Games and the Paralympics, with a large number of planned road closures to create an Olympic Route Network for competitors, official and VIPs. Olympic venues will be spread across the city, from Wembley to south of the river in Wimbledon.
The Olympic Delivery Authority, however, believe that many businesses across the country have underestimated the potential impact of the Games, despite officials warning that the Olympics are 'the largest peacetime logistical exercise that any country can undertake.'
In a news report by the Evening Standard, Mark Ever, director of Games Transport at TfL, said:
'Introducing flexible working hours or arranging deliveries at different times where it will not be possible during the day are some of the options available. Planning ahead will be invaluable.'
And it's not just businesses in the capital then need to prepare ahead of next summer's events; the Games have wide-ranging implications on businesses across the UK. HR policies will need to be reviewed to accommodate staff members looking to visit or volunteer at the Games and companies are also advised to make it clear whether live TV coverage will be allowed to be watched during office hours.
An industry that stands to benefit from the Olympics is the tourist trade, with thousands of visitors to London also looking to explore other areas of the country. In particular, Scottish businesses are being urged to consider the potential to double the length of their peak visitor season in 2012. In a report by the BBC, David Bell, lead partner for London 2012 at Deloitte in Scotland, warned:
'There seems to be a misconception among businesses in Scotland that because the 2012 Games are being held in London, the risks and opportunities for businesses up here are negligible. This is far from the case.'
We've put together some top tips to help businesses and every kind and location kick-start their preparations for London 2012:
Review Staff Working Arrangements
Transport options will be stretched during the summer months in London and the surrounding areas. Consider allowing staff to work remotely from home and setting up teleconferences to replace meetings during the period. Ask staff to submit holiday requests as early as possible to ensure days off are distributed fairly and that staffing levels remain adequate.
Build IT strategy
Increased usage of local internet and mobile networks over the Games could potentially affect your business. If you're planning to allow staff to work remotely or to stream live events whilst in the office, it may be time to consider whether your bandwidth is likely to withstand the increased pressure.
Check Supply Chains
Some of your suppliers may be under contract to the Olympics, which will take priority during the summer months. From disruption to business energy supplies, to ink refills for the printers, contact your suppliers about any potential delays to their service, purchasing insurance if needed to ensure you are not left on a waiting list of a contractor if you have an emergency.
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