On Your Marks for Games Cash ; Fears Raised That Region Is Missing Out On Fair Share of Olympics Money

Sentinel, The; Stoke-on-Trent (UK) › September 22, 2009

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Summary

LOUISE PSYLLIDES BUSINESS REPORTER OLYMPICS organisers insist the region is "already winning gold" from the London 2012 games - but so far just one North Staffordshire firm has picked up a direct contract linked to the event. Although 40 companies in the West Midlands have won work from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), only Biddulph-based Bakers Coaches has been successful in North Staffordshire. In contrast, Birmingham has secured 13 contracts, while 10 deals have gone overseas. Political leaders in Stoke-on- Trent and across the country have cited the games as a potential catalyst for regeneration, but some experts believe the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Jon Fairburn, senior lecturer in geography at Staffordshire University, said: "While any money coming into North Staffordshire is welcome, it is worth bearing in mind the final Government spend for the Olympics is currently estimated at about Pounds 12 billion.

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On Your Marks for Games Cash ; Fears Raised That Region Is Missing Out On Fair Share of Olympics Money

"The Olympics is being promoted as an event for all the country and of benefit for all the country. "But is one contract for a bus firm really a fair share of such a la...

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