London courts Austrian businesses ahead of 2012 games

May 7, 2008

‘London 2012 and beyond’ opportunities for Austrian companies looking to enter the UK construction market

Think_London_office_149_110 Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for London, will host a seminar in Vienna with Aussenwirtschaft Österreich and UK Trade & Investment to promote opportunities for Austrian companies looking to invest in the UK construction industry, as London prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

‘London 2012 and beyond’ will be held on 7th May at the British Embassy in Vienna for companies who are interested in the business opportunities that London 2012 will offer. The seminar will include an overview of the 2012 Games, followed by sessions on procurement, the UK construction industry and ways to market.

The construction industry represents five percent of London’s economy with a value of £8 billion and employing 200,000 people. There are expected to be 9,000 people working on the Olympic site by 2010.

Her Majesty's Ambassador, HE Simon Smith said: "The UK has for a long time been an important marketplace for Austrian business and is one of Austria's top ten trade partners. The 2012 Games in London will offer a great opportunity to be part of a very special event, and a great opportunity for Austrian counterparts to expand trade and investment links with the UK."

team_Gourlay Michael Gourlay, Director for Europe, Think London said: “The London 2012 Games represents a huge opportunity for businesses in the construction industry. From the building of stadia, to the designing of the Olympic village where athletes will live, construction around the 2012 Games is predicted to add significantly to the UK’s growing construction industry output.

“Think London can offer support and advice to companies looking to take advantage of such opportunities and gain clarity into the procurement process. London also offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to globalise their operations. With fast access to a range of customers, markets, ideas and finance it is geared to operate on a global scale and is the perfect springboard for businesses looking to succeed internationally.”

Speakers at the “London 2012 and beyond” seminar include:

Smith, HM Ambassador
Gerhard Muller, Trade Commissioner, Austrian Trade Commission, London
Michael Gourlay , Director for Europe, Think London
Carol Hustler, Supply London
Allan Wilen, Emap Glenigan

energy_thames_city_149_110 Peter Franklin, Market Officer, Austrian Trade Commission Austria’s construction industry is sizeable and continues to grow. Construction along with production of physical goods and the energy industry contributes 32 percent of the country’s GDP. Austrian engineering company, Waagner Biro was involved in constructing London’s iconic Swiss Re building, known as ‘The Gherkin’, the 6th tallest building in the city and London’s first environmentally sustainable tall building.

Think London has also worked with a number of Austrian companies across a range of industries, including: NetHotels, SciTrax and Innovative Business Jet Services.

Think London provides free, confidential and comprehensive advice to help international businesses set up and grow in the capital. They are able to assist companies who are interested in applying for any one of the 2,000 main contracts as well as the further 50,000 supply chain contracts available in relation to 2012.

With a well established track record of helping businesses establish themselves in the capital, Think London has helped more than 1,000 companies from 43 countries since 1994.