Business and Tourism

It’s time to start thinking about the London 2012 Games and how you can keep your business on track.

We know that the Underground, roads, railways and buses will be busier than normal during the Games, especially during evening rush hours and at particular travel hot spots. Here are some of the ways you can prepare: 

Travel

• Think about how your staff are going to get to and from work if they usually travel during peak times of through particular hot spots. Can staff work from home?  Can they walk to work? Can they come in earlier or go home later?
• You can check www.getaheadofthegames.com for information on which Underground stations, rail stations and roads are likely to be busy at what times or follow @GAOTG on Twitter. You can also find information about particular Underground lines and stations here and information about roads and busy junctions here.
• Be aware that the Torch Relay Day is likely to affect traffic in the southern half of the borough in the morning of 26 July 2012 and the busiest days for travel during the Games are likely to be the weekend of August 4 and 5.

Deliveries

• Don't forget to plan your deliveries to make sure you can operate to your usual standards during the Games period. TfL has some useful planning advice here and you can talk to Islington Council if you think you need to consider overnight deliveries by calling 020 7527 3258 or email noise.issues@islington.gov.uk.

General continuity planning

• You can also find toolkits, action plans and workshop dates at the London 2012 business network pages.

Local advice and guidance

• Islington Business Partnership will be updating local businesses in a regular monthly e-bulletin. You can contact the business partnership at businesspartnership@islington.gov.uk for more information and visit the business community link on the right.
• Keep in touch with your local town centre manager, chamber of commerce or business forum and visit these pages for updates.

Tourism

The London 2012 Games also offer a huge opportunity to boost London tourism. Thousands of people will come to London for the Games and four billion people are likely to watch the Olympics and Paralympics on television. It is estimated that the Games will boost tourism by £2.1billion in the five years after London 2012.

Islington has lots to offer visitors:

• Walks up and down the borough and a look at our gorgeous Georgian squares;
• an unrivalled selection of fantastic independent theatres (including pub theatres) running the length of the borough;
• cultural activities at St John's Gate Museum, the London Canal Museum and Islington Museum;
• and not forgetting the vibrant nightlife - we're spoilt for choice with all the restaurants, bars and pubs!