Bradford businesses should fight for some of the thousands of contracts set to be created by the London Olympics, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell told a West Yorkshire conference.

Companies must seize the initiative to benefit from the massive event, the Olympics Minister told delegates.

She announced a series of measures to give businesses the best chance of reaping rewards at the first 2012 nationwide business meeting held at Leeds Town Hall yesterday. These included a UK-wide tourism consultation and a framework for securing a lasting legacy from the games.

Mrs Jowell also encouraged companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to declare their interest in providing goods and services for the global showcase by adding their details to a website.

She said: "These measures are an important step forward in our preparation for the 2012 Games. We want to make sure the business sector UK-wide is fully engaged in our plans from the very beginning, and that they have every possible tool at their disposal to maximise their opportunities.

"The measures introduced today are designed to make it easier for businesses to access information in the run-up to 2012, something that will be crucial as contracts are awarded and training camps are established."

Bradford Chamber policy executive Mike Cartwright backed the online register.

He said: "There is lots of speculation about how best to try and secure Olympics-linked work. This move seems a good idea that could help some businesses make the best of the opportunities. We will try and raise awareness of the details."

Paul Deighton, chief executive officer of the London Olympic Committee Organising Group, said: "My one major message right now for all UK businesses is that you have not missed the boat. Putting on an Olympic Games is a marathon, not a sprint, and opportunities for businesses to get involved will develop over the next six years."

A consultation of the tourism industry will also seek to garner the views of everyone from small B&B owners to local authority support staff and big hotel chains.

It aims to ensure that the UK's regions and cities market themselves effectively to national and international audience.

The full consultation document can be accessed at www.culture.gov.uk/tourism 2012.htm. Those wishing to register their interest in bidding for contracts should visit www.london2012.com from Monday.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk