London Mayor in race to make the most of the ‘Olympic spell’ in time remaining
LONDON: Boris Johnson has promised to press ahead to seize the “huge opportunity” presented by the 2012 London Olympic Games to help lead the capital out of the recession and deliver jobs, growth and prosperity for generations to come writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
London’s newly-re-elected Mayor, who heads to Greece later this month to collect the Olympic flame, has insisted that not only will London stage the best Games ever, but that it will deliver a lasting economic and social legacy long after the Games have gone.
To help secure investment to bolster London’s economic future and help create much-needed jobs for Londoners, the Mayor wants to showcase why the capital is the No1 place to do business and invest in. As part of that drive he revealed that more than 100 top business leaders from companies across the world have accepted invitations to take part in his ‘London House’ initiative.
Companies taking part include Microsoft, LG (CNS), Tata Consultancy, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Time Warner, Paramount Pictures, Banco Itau, Tsingtao Brewery and Iberdrola Engineering and Construction.
Johnson, who edged Labour rival Ken Livingstone by only three per cent of the London vote last Thursday, said: “We have a fantastic summer ahead but I have always said that if the Games are to mean anything we must use them as a springboard from which we can transform this city for generations to come. We’re already seeing a renaissance in east London and billions of pounds worth of investment that would never have been secured had it not been for the Games.
“We have to capitalise on this positive momentum and as Mayor I will do all I can to help secure the Olympic legacy that has always been promised. By driving investment and helping to deliver thousands of new jobs, homes and infrastructure, we can make London an even better place to live and work, long after the Games have gone.”
The London House programme will see City Hall transformed into a hub for leading businesses to take part in debates, seminars and networking opportunities with representatives from UK leaders in technology, creative, environmental and financial services sectors.
The Mayor of London will also host a number of events and celebrations to help Londoners enjoy the excitement of 2012, including ones especially commissioned for a citywide programme that will add to and complement the London 2012 Festival.
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