They'll share in £21 billion predicted to be generated for the UK because of the games - more than double the amount originally estimated.

The figures come from Lloyds TSB, which stressed that it was not only firms based in and around the capital which would benefit.

A spokesman for the bank said:

"Firms in all sorts of sectors, from tourism to transport, could reap Gold, if they explore the opportunities available to them.

"And although the Games lasts only a few weeks, the benefits to business will come before, during and long after the closing ceremony is over."