PRESSURE has been placed on organisers of the London 2012 games to ensure that small businesses are given a fair chance in the race for Olympic contracts.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has written to Lord Coe, sports minister Tessa Jowell and London Mayor Ken Livingstone asking that the bidding process be designed with smaller businesses in mind.

FPB spokesoman Victoria Carson said: "We are urging the Olympic organisers to think about how small businesses can realistically bid for contracts, provide smaller managable contracts that small firms can apply for and avoid excessive form filling.

"Small firms do not have the manpower to devote to bureaucracy like big firms. Red tape must be kept to a minimum.

"We know small businesses can do the job for London and make the games a rip roaring success - they just need to be given a fair chance."

Kent County Council is giving Kent’s smaller Olympic contenders its full support in the run up to London 2012.

Sarah Hohler, cabinet member for Community Services, said the county council would do all it could to ensure small businesses play a part in the games.

"Kent County Council feels there is huge opportunity for every size of business in the lead up to and beyond the Olympics Games and KCC will work to ensure that these efforts are coordinated and that as many businesses as possible in Kent benefit," she said.

Highlighting the council’s school’s programme, Cllr Hohler said preparation for the opportunities ahead must be Kent’s immediate priority.

"KCC has to ensure that Kent people have the right skills and it is a question of businesses now being aware these opportunities are coming and are thinking about how they can contribute and align themselves."