THE Canterbury district should use its powerful international brand to seize the commercial opportunities provided by the successful London 2012 Olympic bid.

That was the message given to more than 100 delegates at a seminar organised by Canterbury 4 Business (C4B) at the University of Kent.

The principle speaker was the county council’s head of economic development, Bryan Raine, who outlined the KCC’s plans to bring Kent into the Olympic fold.

Speakers from the University’s business school focused on the supply chain potential, winning contracts and the unique opportunities for the district’s tourism.

Business people in the audience were also invited to put forward their ideas on how the event could benefit the local community.

C4B is an economic partnership between the business community and the city council.

Its chairman, Michael Head of Crown Products in Herne Bay, said he was delighted businessmen had shown such interest in the seminar.

He said: “While some people quite rightly concentrate on the sporting angle, it is part of C4B’s role to ensure every business recognises the opportunities presented by the Olympics.

“Canterbury’s position close to the Olympic site and its powerful international brand and image are unique assets that offer us a fantastic opportunity to benefit economically.

“C4B is here to assist in any way we can, particularly in helping to create pathways through the challenges and obstacles that businesses might face in the process.”

The session will be followed up with a further event with the details to be made available on the website www.canterbury4business.co.uk.

Copies of the evening’s presentations can be obtained from the University’s business school by emailing enterprise@kent.ac.uk