MQT Answer: Decline in trade during Olympic period
Decline in trade during Olympic period
Question No: 2603 / 2012
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the Culture Secretary’s harsh criticisms of business in London who complained of loss of business during the Olympics or do you support those businesses who expressed concerns over loss of trade, and if so what are you going to do about it?
Written response from the Mayor
My message has always been that London would be open for business during the Games, though people were strongly encouraged to plan their journeys carefully and avoid the hotspots identified. Since the Games started, nearly all London boroughs have reported that business recovered quickly in the capital after a slow start to the Games period. Indeed although, the first weekend of the Games resulted in a slight decrease, footfall actually increased by 5 per cent during the Olympics overall with the West End enjoying a 10.6 per cent year on year rise over the second week of the Olympic Games.
LOCOG and TfL also undertook significant measures to minimise the impact of the Games on London businesses, including a major programme of public transport investment, a campaign of events and information to help companies plan ahead to manage their operations during games time including the website www.london2012.com/business and a major programme of advertising on the tube, rail and road network across the city.
