Canary Wharf puts Games arrangements to the test

By Giles Broadbent on May 8, 2012 4:10 PM |

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Canary Wharf may be quieter for the next couple of days. A two-day stress test has given companies an opportunity to check their contingency arrangements for the London Olympics.

Employees are being encouraged to try alternative travel and working hours as well as check on their home office operations.

‪Companies themselves will look at IT and communications requirements during the Games.

Nearly half of participants are in the financial services sector, but there are also organisations involved from the consumer business, professional services, technology and public sectors.

Canary Wharf Group, one of the organisers alongside Deloitte, says around a third of companies taking part have under 250 employees, while a similar number have over 1,000 members of staff.

‪Mark Naysmith, Games Readiness director at Deloitte, said: "On the busiest days of London 2012, there are expected to be an extra three million journeys a day on the public transport system.

"It is essential that companies across the city, large and small, have thought through how their business and their people will cope with this period.

"Whilst working from home is the most popular measure being tested, it will not be practical for all businesses who still need to maintain client service levels. Therefore, alternative measures such as changing the route to work, mode of transport, or time of journey will all be key to coping."

‪Drew Gibson, business continuity manager at Canary Wharf Group, said: "The Stress Test is our warm up for the big event. Our plans aim to ensure that Canary Wharf and London remain open for business during the Games. Businesses across London will be better prepared for the Olympics if they prepare collectively."