Over 400 representatives from UK businesses have met in London to seek advice on how best to prepare for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Focused on transport plans for the capital, the conference was the first part of an information campaign to help ensure both businesses and commuters can make informed travel choices during the Games.

David Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: “UK businesses are already benefiting from the Games with thousands of contracts worth billions of pounds.

“And London is benefiting from a large-scale regeneration project as well as a huge financial investment in transport which will benefit the capital for decades.”

Travel Hotspots

A ‘tool-kit’ of information - including time-tables and competition schedules to demonstrate the busy periods of the Games and maps showing the potential ‘travel hotspots’ – has also been made available to businesses.

A new booklet – entitled Keep on Running - outlines the issues businesses need to start considering, such as staff travel and the timing of deliveries, and gives advice and tips on minimising disruption.

Stratford International station has been redeveloped as part of the improvements

Paul Deighton, LOCOG chief executive, said: “The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are going to be spectacular events in the summer of 2012 – and like nothing London or the UK have seen in recent history.

“Delivering events on this scale is very much a team game and UK businesses can play a part, particularly those close to venues, helping to ensure the Games are a success and crucially help the city run smoothly in the summer of 2012.”

Transport for London

Affected businesses will need to think ahead and should start considering plans as early as possible.

This might include implementing travel plans or flexible working for employees, reducing non-essential journeys and making adjustments to delivery schedules to ensure they can remain open for business as normal.

Peter Hendy, London’s transport commissioner, said: “Transport for London is on track with a multi-billion investment programme for the Games and is delivering improvements in the capacity, reliability and security of the transport network.

“Improvements include upgrades to London Overground, extensions to the DLR, smoothing traffic flow on the capital’s roads and increasing capacity on the Tube.”