The potential economic impact of the London 2012 Olympic Games has been "completely overstated", it has been claimed.
Political leaders in Stoke-on-Trent and nationally have held up the games as a potential catalyst for regeneration, and an opportunity for businesses to win major contracts.
In February, Staffordshire hosted a free workshop aimed at helping small businesses tap into an estimated £30 billion of public sector work - with the Olympics top of the agenda.
But so far no North Staffordshire firms have won deals from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
Jon Fairburn, senior lecturer in geography at Staffordshire University, believes the billions of pounds earmarked for London 2012 could be much better spent.
He said: "Is anyone seriously saying that as a result of the Olympics regeneration will benefit in Stoke-on-Trent? What's the total effect going to be? Probably not £10 million. Let's go mad and say it's £50 million; it's still not a great way of spending money if you are serious about regeneration.
"The potential benefits for North Staffordshire have been completely overstated. Let's say the latest Olympic cost figures of more than £9 billion are correct, although there have been warnings that will rise. If you divided between the regions, you'd get about £1 billion coming into the West Midlands.
"Then you'd sub-divide it, and a major conurbation in the north of the region, which everyone knows is one of the poorest in the country, might get a direct spend of between £250 million and £500 million - and that's a conservative estimate."
As of June 5, the ODA, which is responsible for the distribution of contracts, had not placed any orders with firms from North Staffordshire.
More than 300 London companies have landed deals, while Birmingham has secured seven and Manchester five. Leicester and Nottingham have secured one each.
Mr Fairburn believes promises of increased wealth in the provinces as a result of 2012 will go unfulfilled.
He said: "The Government should have said we are going for the Olympics because we're a rich country and it's what rich countries do - we want a prestigious event and we want to get the world's attention.
"If they had said that then I might have disagreed, but at least it would have been honest. It's the dishonesty I can't stand. They keep going on about regeneration and deprived communities, but this is just a Trojan horse that doesn't bring in any real money to deprived areas.
"If you want to help regeneration in deprived communities then give them the money directly.
"But don't tell me there's going to be regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent 160 miles away because the Olympics games is being hosted in London."
Supporters maintain London 2012 represents a huge opportunity for North Staffordshire firms, with lucrative work up for grabs from the ODA, firms working on its behalf, and countless projects linked to the influx of visitors and investment.
Debra Gratton, Stoke-on-Trent City Council portfolio holder for sports and leisure, said: "The Olympics offer a fantastic opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent businesses to showcase their talents on a worldwide stage. The city has a wealth of companies which could directly benefit from the 2012 Games.
"The money and opportunities are out there and I do believe Stoke-on-Trent will be able to pull in very big contracts on the back of the games.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we need to be making the most of it."
Stoke shop Bourne Sports - which runs an international internet sales site - has a long history of winning deals from major sporting events, including the World Hockey Cup in 1985 and the World Cross Country Championships earlier this year.
Owner John Bourne is confident of landing a similar deal for 2012. He said: "We have approached the ODA and we have come up with a good idea and plan. I think we will be very unlucky not to get it because we have done lots of things like this.
"The ODA are all in Beijing at the moment. As soon as they get back we will talk to them. I would expect to get the nod before the year is out."
Is your business trying to win work for London 2012? Email us at
businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk
Source: The Sentinel
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