Olympic suppliers’ marketing ban lifted

Timber companies including Arnold Laver, which supplied about 50% of the timber products used in the Olympic project, and John Brash plan to take advantage of the new Supplier Recognition Scheme which will provide eligible suppliers with a special licence.

The deal, reached by the government, British Olympic Association (BOA) and International Olympic Association, means suppliers can apply to the BOA for a licence which takes three to four weeks to process.

Benefits will include being able to promote their work at trade shows in the UK and internationally, apply for industry awards for their London 2012 work and use their involvement in pitches and tender documentation when competing for international contracts.

The licence will also give businesses exclusive access to the Olympic Delivery Auhtority's extensive image library.

But restrictions will include no paid-for advertising and no use of Olympics logos or protected marks.

Andrew Wharrior, Arnold Laver marketing manager, said the company, whose Olympics work included supplying the Siberian pine for the velodrome track, was planning to maximise its Olympic involvment on its stand at Ecobuild next month.

"It's nice to be a little bit more open and upfront about it now," he told TTJ.

"It's about being more comfortable and knowing we will not be told off. We can make a strong statement with existing customers and potential new customers."

Mr Wharrior thought the marketing gag had not been the right approach and had "put the fear of God" into companies.

"At the time it was frustrating to know that we could not get involved with marketing."

The government said the new scheme would be a "welcome boost" "to eligible suppliers."

Enforcement of the scheme will be by the IOC, BOA and British Paralympic Asociation.

For more information visit www.srs2012.com