Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Chamber are ahead of the game when it comes to the Olympics in 2012 and have launched the Suffolk Business to Business Network.

This gives any Suffolk business the chance to register with www.suffolkb2b.co.uk which will enable them to see tenders and opportunities for business with other Suffolk businesses. It will also enable a company to place their business needs on the system to encourage trading between those based in the county. Business opportunities will include those in the public sector and with direct links to the 2012 games.

Olympian Jonathan Edwards was on hand last month to help inspire and challenge Suffolk businesses to make the most of over 50,000 2012 contract opportunities. 68% of the contracts placed so far for the Games have already gone to small and medium sized UK businesses. 94 of these have gone to businesses based within the East of England.

Cllr Lisa Chambers, Suffolk County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic and Cultural Development, is delighted to support the Suffolk Trading Platform and said; "The platform is now in place to promote trading between Suffolk businesses of all sizes and increase awareness of public sector opportunities in the run up to 2012.

"This initiative is an excellent way of helping Suffolk companies ride the current economic difficulties, to build the Suffolk economy, and is essential to the creating the greenest county.

"I am sure Suffolk businesses will rise to the challenge presented by Jonathan Edwards and 2012 to bring further business to the Suffolk economy"

Registration to the website is free to Suffolk businesses and has been funded by Suffolk County Council. The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce will deliver the service.

John Dugmore, CEO of the Suffolk Chamber was fundamental in introducing the initiative. He said; " Not only is the trading platform essential for accessing business opportunities for small and medium sized business within Suffolk, there will soon be in place a dedicated person who will be working with the various public agencies to help Suffolk businesses put the right steps in place to help obtain public sector contracts."