Businesses find out how to make the most of Grand Départ (From York Press)
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Businesses find out how to make the most of the Tour de France Grand Départ
9:30am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Business news
By Julie Hayes, julie.hayes@thepress.co.uk
LOCAL businesses will find out how they can benefit from the Tour de France coming to York at an event to be held by City of York Council.
More than 50 cycling-related businesses, organisations and interest groups from around the region are expected to attend the conference on March 12 in the council’s new West Offices.
The meeting will be the first opportunity for businesses to come together and talk about how they can be involved with the lead up to Tour de France, the world’s largest sporting event, which is coming to Yorkshire in July next year.
York will be hosting the second stage of the 101st Tour de France Grand Départ, with 200 of the world’s best cyclists setting off from Knavesmire and taking in the sights of the city.
The Grand Départ is expected to attract two million spectators and 2,000 journalists from around the world and bring an estimated £100 million boost to the region.
Delegates to the event will hear more about the Tour de France from Welcome to Yorkshire and plans to ensure a thriving cultural and sport legacy from the event from Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council.
Ms England said: “As one of the top cycling cities in the country we are delighted to host Le Grand Départ next July. As a cyclist myself, it’s a privilege to be appointed as the senior legacy lead for the region to ensure that this important legacy lives on in Yorkshire, builds on this city’s long-standing commitment to cycling and inspires generations to come.
“With 98 per cent of the county’s population living within an hour of the route, this is the time to ensure not only spectators benefit from the world’s largest sporting event, but our region’s businesses do too.”
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Millions of people will descend on Yorkshire to witness the Grand Départ and the planning starts now to maximise the opportunities that presents.”
The conference will take place in the council’s West Offices between 5.30pm and 7pm. Email graham.titchener@york.gov.uk to attend.
