Olympic Torch Visits Wimbledon

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Talking point of South African trade event

Guests at a South African trade event in Wimbledon were given the chance to have their photo taken with the Olympic torch.

They were among business leaders attending an event at Cannizaro House, Wimbledon Common, to hear from some of the UK's foremost experts on trading opportunities in South Africa.

The South African Trade Event was organised by Go South Go and Merton Chamber of Commerce to help local business understand the cultural differences, business practices and opportunities in the South African market.

With key note speeches from businesses trading in South Africa, and with a live link to the British Consul in Cape Town, the event not only got businesses up to speed with what it means to do business in South Africa, but also provided a networking opportunity.

Linda Taylor, Chair of Go South Go, said: "The South African Trade event was a fantastic event, both in terms of the quality of speakers and the business networking that took place between the 100 guests.

"The decision of the South Africans to base their pre-games training camp in St Mary’s University in Twickenham alongside members of the Brazilian, Chinese, Japanese and Irish teams will be a big boost for both business and the local community and will raise our own game in South London."

Diana Sterck, Chief Executive Officer of Merton Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the initiatives the Chamber of commerce was leading on to provide an Olympic legacy, added: "The event kick-started the 190 day countdown to 2012.

"It was great to see the networking going on between businesses alongside an exhibition of South African businesses based in South London. The guests were also thrilled at the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the Olympic Torch and our thanks go to Lloyds Bank for organising that for us."

January 26, 2012