Backley for breakfastThe former javelin world record holder launched Medway: 2012 Days to the Olympics on Tuesday, 23 January 2007 with a rousing speech at the Medway Winning Business event, held at Priestfield Stadium. The event was arranged by the newly-named Thames Gateway (Kent) Chamber of Commerce and was attended by more than 150 representatives from business and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Medway and North Kent. |
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Steve Backley, the first British track and field athlete to win medals at three Olympics, is now a much-respected public speaker.
He spoke to the guests about how they can succeed in a competitive environment and outlined the opportunities that are available to south-east businesses of all sizes, particularly those in the Thames Gateway, as a result of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London.
Bob Dimond, Medway’s Manager for the 2012 Games, stressed that the Olympic opportunities for businesses extend far beyond building a stadium. The spectacle of the Olympics will need a whole range of products and services, from cups and straws to launderettes and printers.
Beyond east London, an anticipated 500,000 visitors will be coming to the south-east of England during the summer of 2012. These guests will all need places to stay, places to eat and things to do when they are not watching the Games.
Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said: “The influx of visitors that Medway can expect will provide a huge opportunity for Medway-based businesses and SMEs.”
A video of Steve Backley's speech is now available (www.podcastfm.co.uk/11746676174604016a81cf7.wmv).
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