London 2012 Business Legacy Paper Highlights Future Opportunities for UK ICT Sector
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, has launched an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Special Interest Publication showcasing UK technology’s role in delivering the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and highlighting future major event opportunities for Great Britain’s burgeoning ICT sector.
Mr Vaizey launched the paper to an audience of leading industry figures and UK technology entrepreneurs at the opening plenary session of TechWorld (16-17 November, London ExCel), the UK’s largest international technology event. He was joined by John Armitt, Chairman of The Olympic Delivery Authority.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the IET, the ICT Knowledge Transfer Network and UK Trade and Investment have worked together to facilitate the IET Special Interest Publication, named “Delivering London 2012: ICT Enabling the Games”.
Commenting on the publication, Steve Williams, ICT Sector Manager for UK Trade and Investment, said: “The aim of this publication is to profile the existing strengths of the UK’s ICT sector and how the industry is collaborating to build a breadth of expertise in delivering large scale events. There is a great demand for this knowledge and experience around the world, in particular for major sporting events, and the ICT enablement of the Games is a fantastic platform for the UK to showcase innovation and best practice in this area.”
Gerry Pennell, LOCOG CIO said: “LOCOG is pleased to support this publication highlighting the rich diversity of technologies being brought together in the UK to deliver the Games.”
The launch of the paper was followed by an interactive conference session, a part of the Digital Connected World conference track at TechWorld. The session focused on the ICT challenges for the Games, how these have been addressed and what lessons have been learned.
Steve Williams concludes: “The Games will be a tremendous event next year, but its legacy is perhaps even more powerful. This paper identifies how the UK’s ICT sector can capitalise on the experience of the Games and make the most of global opportunities for future sporting events and other major projects.”
Media contacts:
Kate Macnamara Grayling: 0121 265 2760 / 07714 222793 kate.macnamara@grayling.com
Nick Wiltshire, Grayling: 0121 265 2760, 07740 732884 nick.wiltshire@grayling.com
TechWorld (16 – 17 November 2011, ExCel, London), hosted by UK Trade & Investment and now in its 6th successful year, is the UK’s largest international technology event. Last year’s event saw more than 450 international investors from 50 countries meet with UK delegates and exhibitors from technology, science and research and development. In excess of 3000 one-to-one meetings were conducted and 45% of UK business attendees expected to generate revenue from international markets as a direct result of the event.
This year the event is focused on helping UK technology and science entrepreneurs increase overseas trade, access critical research and development and identify new markets for growth.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.
