Britain’s business champions cheer on Olympic success
Sir Richard Branson
President, Virgin Group
“The Games have gone fantastically well. They’ve provided us with some incredible performances from the likes of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, while from a British perspective it’s been wonderful to see our athletes having such a successful Games. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect has been how the vast majority of competitors have conducted themselves – a credit to their sports in both victory and defeat. Parts of London have been transformed, sports facilities have improved and so many people have had the chance to participate. Seeing people across the UK embrace the Games has been great.”
Sir Martin Sorrell
Chief executive, WPP
“The Games have had an extremely strong positive impact on Brand Britain and GB’s standing in the world. The torch run, the Business Olympics, the opening ceremony, the gold medal extravaganzas at the stadium and velodrome, Team GB’s performance – they all electrified the nation and impressed overseas observers. Clearly, there’s an emotional, intangible benefit. Quantitatively, there’s the impact on East London and its infrastructure and the impact on youth – the two promises that Lord Coe and his team made in the bid some seven years ago in Singapore.”
Boris Johnson
Mayor of London
“The London Olympics have been truly spine tingling, stupendous and stunning. My highlights include the cheerful spirit of our Olympic volunteers, Christine Ohuruogu’s fantastic effort to defend her 400m title, the double gold for Laura Trott in the velodrome and Super Saturday – six golds for team GB – achieved on six legs, six wheels and with eight oars.
But if I’m honest, this Saturday night in the stadium with Mo Farah, roared on to victory in the 5,000 metres and double gold, topped it all. Add Jamaica’s world record and Usain Bolt’s Mo-bot and you have the essence of London 2012. It was magical!”
Colin Grannell
Executive vice president, partnership marketing
Visa Europe
“I’ve always been a mad cyclist so being in the Velodrome was fantastic. I got to go there on two occasions. I also enjoyed the rowing at Eton Dorney, which was a brilliant location. I also went to the Beach Volleyball which had a great view of the London skyline.
Michael Gutman
Managing director, Westfield UK
“Westfield Stratford City has broken crowd records and welcomed over 5m people during the Olympic Games. The centre had an electric atmosphere where spectators and customers shopped and dined with their favourite sporting heroes.”