Businesses urged to start planning now to keep on running effectively during London 2012 Games

Millions of additional trips expected in the Capital during the summer of 2012, with the transport network severely affected
Businesses of all sizes and sectors need to start planning for what will be a fantastic event for the Capital by visiting www.london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness
Face to face and online tailored travel and deliveries advice available.

London 2012 and Transport for London (TfL) today urged businesses to take advantage of a range of tools and advice on offer ahead of the London 2012 Games to ensure they can keep on running effectively and make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

All transport improvements are on track to be delivered well ahead of the 2012 Games, with many already providing an early legacy for London and the UK. However, the transport network will be busier than usual and businesses, particularly in the Capital and around Games venues nationally, need to start planning now so they can keep on running effectively during the Games.

London 2012 and TfL are offering free travel advice to businesses to ensure their staff, customers and suppliers can get around and they can make and receive important deliveries during the Games. As part of this advice they are asking businesses to consider ways which will help reduce their overall need to travel including:

· Staggering the start and finish times of working days;

· Providing the facilities for staff to work from home;

· Stocking up on non-perishable materials well before the Games;

· Arranging earlier or later deliveries;

· Managing annual leave;

· Temporarily relocating employees or altering their working hours;

· Helping staff re-plan their travel;

· Using conference/video/web calls;

· Encouraging and enabling staff to cycle and walk.

London 2012 and TfL are already engaging with the business community, with around 100 major businesses, such as Deloitte and PwC, already signed up for specific advice. This week alone, events are taking place with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and with Canary Wharf companies to help them start planning now for the 2012 Games period. Further sessions will take place later in the year, when further details become available.

London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy said: "All transport improvements are on track to be delivered well ahead of the Games. But with millions of people coming to enjoy the Games and all that London and the UK have to offer, transport networks will be severely affected. That’s why we’re urging businesses to plan ahead now, to ensure they can keep on running effectively during the summer of 2012.

"Introducing flexible working hours or arranging for deliveries at different times are some of the options available. Planning ahead will be invaluable, and we will continue to work closely with businesses on how best to do this."

Stephen Romily, Head of Business Continuity & Intelligence at Canary Wharf Group plc said: "The London 2012 Games present a huge opportunity for business and will celebrate the East End’s amazing transformation over the past 20 years. Planning ahead is essential to be ready for the opportunities and respond to the challenges. We are working closely with TfL and our tenants to minimise disruption and ensure that Canary Wharf remains very much open for business, shopping and hospitality in the midst of the world’s greatest sporting event."

Businesses are advised to visit www.london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness where they can register for regular email bulletins, view maps of affected areas, download documents to help plan and view hints and tips on how to create an action plan. Companies with more than 250 employees are also eligible for support from specialist travel advisors who can help them produce travel action plans for Games time. Businesses can email the team on keeponrunning@london2012.com to find out more.