A GROUNDBREAKING website has been launched to help Essex businesses make the most of the £6 billion on offer from the London Olympics.

The service - CompeteFor - is part of London 2012 Business Network aimed at the east of England. It will help companies find their "perfect" partners to compete for lucrative contracts connected with London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

There is an estimated 75,000 contracts worth £6 billion available to firms in the east of England.

Stephen Castle, Essex County Council's cabinet member for the 2012 Games, said: "This is the ideal opening for Essex businesses, big or small, to find their perfect 2012 match and make the most of the London 2012 opportunities.

"Economic studies have projected the benefits to Essex from the Games could be as high as £139 million in terms of tourism, construction contracts and funded skills courses.

"I would urge Essex businesses to sign up to CompeteFor, ensuring we can all benefit through maximising the number and diversity of our companies contributing to the London 2012 programme, creating a legacy of increased capacity and expertise."

Stephen Pegge, head of communications, Lloyds TSB Business said: "London might be hosting the 2012 Games, but it's important to realise that the economic ripples are continuing to spread and that opportunities are opening up across the country.

"There has been a lot of focus on the construction of the Olympic Park site, but the opportunities to get involved are much more varied than many might assume.

"Firms in all sorts of sectors, from tourism to transport, could reap gold, if they explore the opportunities available to them."

For more information on CompeteFor go to www.london2012.com/business