Preparing your Business for the London 2012 Olympic Games

During the London 2012 Olympic Games period your business could be affected. The Games will run from the 19th of May till the 9th of September 2012, which could cause disruption depending on the type of business you run and the proximity to the Olympic Stadium and Park. Having a plan in place will help you to respond to any challenges that may arise. Having contingency plans will mean your business can continue to run smoothly.

Factors to take into account during the London 2012 Olympic Games include:

  • Disruption to public transportation - Will staff, suppliers and clients have issues getting to and from your business premises?
  • Will access to your workplace or business premises be restricted?
  • Have you got enough staff to cater to any increase in customers?
  • Could your supply chain be affected?
  • Will staffing be affected due to increased annual leave requests?
  • Will productivity be affected during popular Olympic Games events?

There are twenty seven competition venues for the 2012 Olympic Games situated in London alone, and businesses in these areas can expect an increase in both road and foot traffic. For some events roads will be closed, which could cause problems for your workplace. If you have offices in London, perhaps you could consider asking some staff members to work from home on these days.

You are advised that spectators are expected to start arriving at venues a few hours beforehand, and that after each event the first half an hour will be the most busy. Journey times to and from work will take longer, especially during peak hours. A large number of London public transportation routes and stations will be affected, especially in Central London and East London. The main London Underground Stations expected to be effected are:

  • St Pauls Station
  • West Ham Station
  • Monument Station
  • Bond Street Station
  • London Bridge Station
  • Oxford Circus Station
  • Tower Gateway Station
  • Greenwich (DLR) Station
  • Stratford Station
  • Euston Station
  • Liverpool Street Station
  • Victoria Station
  • Westminster Station
  • Canada Water Station
  • Bank Station
  • Baker Street Station
  • North Greenwich Station
  • Leicester Square Station
  • Fulham Broadway Station
  • Tottenham Court Road Station
  • Paddington Station
  • Moorgate Station
  • Kings Cross Station
  • Canary Wharf Station
  • Green Park Station
  • Waterloo Station
  • Embankment Station
  • Covent Garden Station
  • Marble Arch Station