OLYMPIC hero Adrian Moorhouse has urged Oxford firms to do business on the back of the 2012 Games.

Mr Moorhouse, who won a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, was the key speaker at an event in the city attended by representatives from 100 companies.

He said: “Just as athletes train, prepare and ensure they are fit and ready to compete, businesses need to do the same. It’s vital that firms are in the best possible position to capitalise on all opportunities for growth and development.”

Mark French, of Lloyds TSB Commercial which organised the event, discussed how firms can bid for London 2012 contracts, benefit from the legacy of the Games and use the momentum as a springboard for further growth as well as a more sustainable approach to business.

He said the games were about much more than just elite sporting competition and represented a unique opportunity for businesses.

“Registering on the tendering website ‘CompeteFor’ exposes your business to a host of opportunities from private and public-sector contractors after 2012,” he said.