A FIRM from a small Kent village has a golden opportunity to win an Olympic Games business bonanza in 2008 after clinching a prestige show job in China.

Alad, an exhibition and conference organiser based in High Street, Lower Halling, near Strood, could be in line for a business "gold" in 2008 if its Stadia and Arena InfraSport 2003 goes well in Beijing early next year.

The important international event has received official Beijing approval following visits by Alad staff to the Chinese capital and talks with high-ranking officials. It will be held in the World Trade Center in Beijing from January 22 - 24 next year.

It coincides with the vital tendering period for all new and refurbished sports venue works for the 2008 Olympic Games being held in Beijing. Alad, publisher of Stadium and Arena Management magazine and owner of the annual Stadia and Arena event that alternates between London and Europe, has teamed up with Media Generation events to launch the exhibition and conference.

Alan Levett, Alad director and joint show organiser, said: "Obtaining the official backing of the various Beijing authorities is a major breakthrough and one that adds immediate credibility to the event. Their confidence in the show and our ability to organise such a major business networking opportunity is most significant."

Stadi and Arena InfraSport 2003 aims to attract companies involved in the design, construciton and management of sports facilities. It will also encourage participation by developers of the infrastructure, equipment and services that will determine the success of the 2008 Games.

Beijing is expected to spend £1 billion on 32 new and refurbished venues, with a further £15bn allocated to linked infrastructure projects, including metro, light railway, roads and international airport.