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Olympic Business: The Winners and Losers of London 2012


The London 2012 Olympic Games proved as much as competition for businesses as it did for the record-breaking Olympians who descended on the capital this summer.

Now that the party has officially left town, we take a look at the winners and losers of the race to capitalise on business opportunities, while the world watched.

THE WINNERS

Sports Direct – 25% rise

Capitalising on its position as a sports retailer during in a landmark summer of athletic achievement, Sports Direct made a fantastic profit out of the Olympics this year. Sales rose by a staggering 25%, making this company the gold medal winner of London 2012.

Wetherspoons – 12.8% rise

Good weather coupled with Olympic coverage helped Wetherspoons to rake in the dough this summer with a 12.8% rise on normal business. It’s pleasing to know that travellers from far and wide were partaking in one of the true English traditions – having a pint at the pub.

Costa Coffee – 5.7% rise

Those who weren’t in the pub could apparently be found in the coffee shops of London during the Games, as Costa Coffee has reported an impressive 5.7% increase on sales in comparison to previous years.

Premier Inn – 3.2% rise

Everyone who visited London this summer needed a place to stay and according to the budget luxury hotel chain, that place was Premier Inn. The company put prices up in London for the Games and recorded a 3.2% rise in profits.

THE LOSERS

Water Chariots – £2.5m lost

It might have seemed like a great idea at the time, but apparently no one wanted to take a boat up the Thames to the Olympic Stadium. A company set up to do just that in time for the Games has gone into administration with losses of £2.5 million.

Virgin Trains – £14m lost

Sadly for Richard Branson, while Olympic Authorities anticipated a £15m revenue as a direct result of transport to and from London 2012 the reality fell short. Despite extra services, Virgin Trains recorded just £1m in sales – resulting in a £14 million disappointment.

Disney – £30m+ unwatched

Having released a new film during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Disney expected viewing figures to be low. However, even after the Games the figures unexpectedly failed to rebound – resulting in more than £30 million of lost revenue.

G4S – £145m unpaid

G4S is perhaps the most famous loser of business during the Olympics. Despite being selected to provide security for the Games under a £235m contract, G4S has only been paid £90m to date for failing to deliver on its promises – a loss of £145 million.

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Google Reviews


  • Dave Watts

    17/08/2021

    Love this place

  • Maxine Dillon

    15/07/2021

    We rent an office here and it’s just such a lovely place to drive into everyday

  • Chris Kho

    22/06/2021

    Still love to walk around. I used to live in the big house at the top of the drive, it was Oak House then and I nursed at Ransom Hospital , Byron Ward which was on the left side of Ransom Hall car park. Oak House used to be Sisters accommodation. I think the main chef lived upstairs when I lived there and just me downstairs mostly. I loved it but had to keep my kitchen door closed because of the squirrels. Loved looking down the drive out of my bedroom and lounge windows, beautiful in Autumn and when it snowed, I worked at Ransom Hospital until it closed in 1987. Wonder why Oak House was later named Ash House? Lovely dining at Forever Green in the grounds whilst I reminisce.

  • Tony Lewis

    20/05/2021

    Absolutely spot on as regards setting up a virtual office. Really friendly and helpful reception staff, with onsite meeting rooms available if needed. Very pleased.

  • Matthew Sheppard

    07/03/2021

    Beautiful

  • John Redfern

    20/07/2020

    Good food

  • David Draper

    25/02/2020

    Great place for taking pets a walk, lovely cafe with meeting rooms.

  • Pete Edwards

    08/02/2020

    A great place

  • Daryl Statham-waring

    20/11/2019

    Brilliant place, they have all sorts of businesses there. A cafe, hypnotherapy, hypnopuncture as well many others. Worth a drive up just to see what's there. Furthermore, it's in lovely surroundings.

  • Jo Harris

    13/10/2019

    Just go there and walk for miles! Beautiful views from strawberry hill too.

  • Philip Merry

    04/08/2018

    Go experience

  • victoria chandler

    28/06/2018

    Great place,hidden away

  • T Butler

    24/05/2018

    Set in beautiful woodland.. a very relaxing place to work.

  • Bec Ward

    12/03/2018

    Very tranquil here, feel at real ease could get lost in my own thoughts

  • S Curran

    17/01/2018

    Lots of meeting rooms. Follow signes not sat nav to find entrence as its moved. Plenty of parking.

  • Andy long

    03/12/2017

    Nice business offices and restaurant

  • Robert West

    05/02/2017

    Love it. Great setting, and reasonable rents.

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