Business not as usual.

Don't think that because your business is not in East London that you won't be affected by the 2012 Games. There are a total of 22 competition venues in London and whilst many are based Stratford way, several events will take place in Central London; Hyde Park, Earl's Court, Lords and the Horse Guards Parade for instance. Transport networks throughout London will be stretched to their limits. It is estimated that there will be an extra 3.3 million journeys taking place on the busiest days of the competition. The capital will be welcoming some 55,000 members of the Olympic family (athletes, officials, sponsors, the media etc.) and 8.8 million ticketed spectators – that's a lot of people!

During the Games, the tubes, DLR and overground trains will run both more frequently and later. There'll be an extra 200 buses on the roads and the Javelin Service will shuttle people from Kings Cross to Stratford in just 7 minutes. But this won't be enough to keep London moving. Businesses should therefore be considering ways they can help alleviate the stress on the capital's transport system. They should also be planning for severe disruptions to their supply chains during the nine weeks of the Games. If you don't think your business's supply chain will be affected, think again – what about those all important deliveries of tea, toilet roll and post?

According to Rose McArthur (part of the Travel Advice for Business Team), businesses should start preparing themselves now, so that they can work around peak times and busy competition days. They should think about flexible working: who can work at home on which days and can employees travel to work at a different time, for instance come in earlier and leave earlier? Individuals should be considering different routes to work – can they walk or cycle parts of their journey? According to McArthur, it's all about 'peak spreading' – this will keep London moving during the Games, the biggest event a country can host.

For more information on what you can do as a business or an individual, visit: www.getaheadofthegames.co.uk

My thanks to Trinity College Dublin for this wise advice to non-English speakers.

It is well known that the British do not always say what they really mean. So, with the growing international nature of the business, the definitions below may help people from other nations understand their British counterparts better.

What they say - What they mean - What is understood

1)I hear what you say - I disagree and don’t wish to discuss it any further - He accepts my point of view
2)With the greatest respect - I think you are wrong (or an idiot) - He is listening to me
3)Not bad - Good or very good - Poor or mediocre
4)Quite good - A bit disappointing - Quite good
5)Perhaps you would like to think about…I would suggest…It would be nice if… - This is an order. Do it or be prepared to justify yourself - Think about the idea, but do what you like
6)Where appropriate - Do whatever you like - Do it if you can
7)Oh, by the way…Incidentally… - This is the primary purpose of our discussion - This is not very important
8)I was a bit disappointed that…It is a pity you… - I’m very annoyed - It doesn’t really matter
9)Very interesting - What a load of rubbish - They are impressed
10)Could we consider some other options - I don’t like your ideas - They have not yet decided
11)I’ll bear it in mind - I will do nothing about it - They will probably do it
12)Please think about that some more - It is a bad idea. Don’t do it - Good idea; keep developing it
13)I’m sure it is my fault - It is your fault! - It was their fault
14)This is an original point of view - You must be crazy - They like my ideas
15)You must come for dinner sometime - NOT an invitation, just being polite - I will receive an invitation shortly

And you thought it was just Consultants who used doublespeak…