Delegates at the Russia-Great Britain Olympic Partnership conference, held in Moscow recently, were told that UK business and investors were in prime position to benefit from the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in 2014.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, president and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee, highlighted the committee's commitment to work with best-in-class partners in all aspects of 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games delivery.

The conference - which coincides with a British trade delegation's visit to Moscow - attracted representatives of numerous businesses specializing in design and construction.

Among the companies attending was Populous, formerly called HOK Sport, the company responsible for designing the London 2012 Olympic Stadium; construction machinery firm JCB, which has already secured a RUB23m (£470,000, US$690,000, 522,000 euro) contract to supply diggers for 2014 Games preparations; and MACE, consultants for project management of Russian state corporation "Olimpstroy", responsible for Olympic construction.

During his speech, Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted the many and varied business opportunities associated with Russia's national priority project and welcomed British companies and investors' interest in Sochi 2014.

He said: "I would like to invite potential British investors to take part in our incredible project, where we are making strong progress.

"One of the most significant opportunities associated with Sochi 2014 is in the marketing arena, where we have already signed contracts in our Tier One Telecom and Oil Categories.

"Partnership with Sochi 2014 not only includes the right to use the Olympic and Paralympic symbols, but also opens an exclusive door to one of the most dynamic regions and projects in Russia. It is a unique investment opportunity for both domestic and international companies. There is also a significant opportunity for contractors as Sochi 2014 is a Government guaranteed project. Spending on the infrastructural regeneration of the Krasnodar Region and Olympic preparations will therefore continue as planned.

"Sochi is already an international tourist destination, with in excess of 100,000 hotel rooms attracting more than four million visitors per year. However, the 'Sochi - Home City' programme, which will begin later this year, defines the city as the third 'cluster' for the Games and offers unique business opportunities."

Conference delegates also heard of the importance of international cooperation in the delivery of Sochi 2014. Mr Chernyshenko highlighted the ongoing partnership between Sochi 2014 and London 2012, which includes sharing information and best practice.

IMAGE: UK-based companies are already involved in the build and design of Olympic venues, including pre-game-training sites. Wilkinson Eyre Architects designed a mixed-use sports complex incorporating five Olympic ski jumps