APPLYING for contracts for the 2012 Olympic Games could put small businesses in good stead for future business with the Government, according to Essex's Olympics boss.

Stephen Castle, Essex County Council's cabinet member for the 2012 games, said while small businesses in the county may not win large contracts, they will be in demand to provide services in the run-up to the games, and needed to supply goods to main contractors.

"The challenge for small companies is they are not used to doing business with the Government and going through the qualification process to apply for Olympic contracts is difficult. But once they are through the applying process they may win contracts in other parts of the sector and in the future," said Mr Castle.

He said the qualification process, which includes health and safety and equality criteria, involves "a lot of red tape", but organisations such as Business Link are on hand to help small companies through it.

And once they are, they could benefit from work not just from the Olympics, but into the future.

Last week Gazette Business reported that a new website, called CompeteFor, has been launched, which advertises the contracts available for the Olympics.

Current contracts include work for construction of arenas, workers' accommodation, sewer network, contact centre, security and lighting.

Mr Castle said: "The major contractors for the Olympics will be using CompeteFor, for supply chain work so we would expect businesses in Essex to be really interested in this website."

Colchester finds out this month if it is to be the training venue for an overseas Olympic squad.

Essex stands to gain more than £130 million in contracts, out of an estimated total of £6 billion, if businesses apply for Olympic work, he added.

Find out about CompeteFor and which contracts are available at london2012.com/business