New figures show that six in ten small firms believe the London 2012 Games will not have a positive impact on their business in the long term.
As the UK marks 200 days until the start of the Olympic Games, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) ‘Voice of Small Business’ Survey Panel found that 62% of small firms believe that the Games will have no long-term positive impact on their business, despite promises that the legacy of the London 2012 Games will continue for years.
Only 7% of small businesses believe the Games will benefit their business overall, with 25% expecting a negative impact on their business.
The FSB is concerned that when the bid for the London 2012 Games went through, it was sold on the basis that is would create a long-term legacy for the country, yet small businesses do not believe that they will benefit from this.
The FSB is calling on the Government and Olympics Authorities to ensure that small firms are aware of how they can reap the benefits of the Games and the tourism boom that could result.
John Walker, FSB National Chairman, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to begin and small businesses think it will not benefit their business. This is even more worrying considering the London 2012 Games was sold on the basis of its legacy. We all know times are tough, but 2012 is a year of big events that small firms should be able to benefit from. The Government and Olympic Authorities must help show small businesses how they can reap the rewards from one of the biggest sporting and tourism events the country has seen for years.”
