A NEW business network has been launched to get the county ahead of the game for the Olympics in 2012.

A NEW business network has been launched to get the county ahead of the game for the Olympics in 2012.

Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Chamber have launched the Suffolk Business to Business Network which will help businesses to see tenders and opportunities for them.

A council spokesman said: “It will also enable a company to place their business needs on the system to encourage trading between those based in the county.

“Business opportunities will include those in the public sector and with direct links to the 2012 games.”

In a separate initiative Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have been working to apply new fire safety regulations for bed and breakfast accommodation, in a flexible way that properly balances the safety of guests, with the need to avoid imposing an unreasonable financial burden on small businesses.

The spokesman added new government guidance - “Do you have paying guests?” - has provided an opportunity for the fire and rescue service to work with a number of bed and breakfasts to cost-effectively improve fire safety standards.

He added: “This has avoided the possibility of them closing down by having traditional, more expensive solutions imposed. The change in approach is evidence of Suffolk County Council's commitment to working with businesses in preserving and promoting the county's vital tourism industry.”