- Job creation & economic prosperity cited as most important benefits of Olympic legacy
- Better transport links top priority for Londoners
London. - 29 October, 2008 -- According to a new Ipsos MORI poll commissioned by GE, Team GB's recent gold medal success in Beijing has bolstered our sense of national pride. In the study, which looks at public opinion on the Olympic Legacy, 56% of respondents said it had increased their sense of national pride.
When asked which lasting benefits they would like to see from London 2012, 84% of respondents across the country selected job creation and economic prosperity as the most important benefit, rising to 91% for respondents in London. This was followed by better sports facilities and creating a healthier nation (79% and 80% ranked these as very or fairly important). In contrast, more affordable housing and better transport links were considered to be unimportant by 1 in 5 respondents (21% & 20% respectively) although for Londoners better transport links were judged to be very or fairly important by 8 in 10 people (88%).
Significantly, views were broadly representative across the country indicating that there is strong regional interest in the Games and the longer term impact for the nation as a whole.
Comments Tony Gale GE's General Manager for London 2012:
"A strong feature of the London bid was the promise of a 'legacy' and it is clear from our research that the concept of 'legacy' means different things to different people -- regardless of where they live."
"Given the current financial climate it is understandable that job creation and economic prosperity should be so high on the nation's priorities, especially in the Capital. Against this back-drop the need to deliver value for money and create a positive legacy is even more vital -- something we have learned from our experience as a partner for around 400 infrastructure projects across Beijing, which were designed to deliver a lasting benefit for China and its people."
"At GE we believe there are strong opportunities for London - in particular to apply the latest technology, new ideas and innovations to help it retain its status as a world class city. The Games will also allow the UK to add to its skills base and the nation's knowledge base in a cost effective way."
Other significant findings from GE's Olympic Legacy research include:
The GE Ipsos MORI poll was undertaken between 10 October and 24 October amongst a nationally representative sample of 1008 respondents throughout Great Britain, including a sample of 531 respondents in London. The data was weighted to reflect the socio demographic profile of GB.
The method of data collection used was Face-to-Face in home CAPI (Computer Aided Person Interviewing) via the Ipsos MORI CAPIBUS.
About GE and the Olympic Games
As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to staging a successful Olympic Games. GE works closely with host countries, cities and organising committees to provide infrastructure solutions for Olympic Games venues including power, water treatment, transportation and security, and to supply hospitals with ultrasound and MRI equipment to help doctors treat athletes. In Beijing 2008, GE was a partner for around 400 infrastructure projects covering 50 venues and 168 commercial buildings in and around the Olympic village and the city of Beijing. GE expects to play a similar role in the London 2012 Games.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.
About GE in the UK
GE's UK operations represent the company's largest single presence outside the United States and have been a significant contributor to the UK economy for over seventy years. Today, GE in the UK has 20,000 employees, in four businesses, based in more than 45 major locations from Aberdeen to Falmouth and from Cardiff to Cambridge. UK revenues for GE have grown from $1.7B in 2000 to $10.1B in 2007.