Going for Green in East London
When she looks out of her window, Hackney resident Geraldine Forbes can’t quite believe the changes that have taken place – all thanks to a London 2012 inspired project that’s turned 45 areas of derelict land into allotments and green space.
Transform is part of the Changing Places programme, an initiative which aims to support communities in the Olympic host boroughs to secure lasting social and environmental benefits as a legacy of the Games.
It also encourages people to live more sustainably – and in Geraldine’s case, this meant helping to create a new community garden and allotment in Woodberry Down.
“Our community has changed dramatically,” she said. “The children love it here. People often stop by and ask us about the garden and how to get involved.”
Image ©OPLC
Helping small businesses stay fighting fit
If you buy a memento from London 2012, you could well be playing your part in helping a small business hit the big time.
Cambridge-based merchandising firm Touch of Ginger won a licence to supply London 2012-branded gifts in February 2012 – and just three months later the company had opened talks with global blue chip companies.
“The impact of the London 2012 licence on our business has been immense – and we’ve hardly started,” said the company’s director and co-founder Gary Moore.
“We expect to grow our business by 50 per cent as a direct result of our involvement. As we emerge from the global recession, our company will be stronger and fitter as a direct result of the Games.”
The company is just one of thousands of UK businesses benefiting from London 2012 contracts, with 94 per cent of the £1 billion worth of LOCOG contracts going to British businesses.
Image ©UKTI
