Local businesses have been given an insight on the impact that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on businesses in the region and across the UK.

Business people joined MPs John Healey, Dan Jarvis and Angela Smith at the Holiday Inn Barnsley for the event, hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and the Newham-Barnsley Partnership, a unique link established by Barnsley Council with London Borough of Newham – the principal host borough for the Games.

Delegates heard from Clive Dutton, Executive Director for Regeneration, Planning and Property at the London Borough of Newham, on the impact that London 2012 has had on the business community and the prosperity and regeneration of Newham and East London.

Lauren Pigg, of Yorkshire Gold Business Club, explained the opportunities presented by the UK’s ‘decade of sport’ through ‘Compete For’ – the London 2012 procurement portal. Businesses from Barnsley, including Constructional Timber, have already benefitted from London 2012, through ‘Compete For.’

Councillor Stephen Houghton said: “Through the Newham Barnsley Partnership, we are putting ourselves at the forefront of the legacy from London 2012 and as part of that we are doing our best to exploit the opportunities for Barnsley’s businesses. Working with the Chamber of Commerce, we will continue to make the most of our partnership with Newham, and our unique link to the London Games, to keep driving the economic development of our town.”