AS the clock ticks down towards Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games, businesses across the city and beyond are being urged to get involved to reap the rewards.

The Games are expected to provide a massive boost for the city's economy, with a vast array of jobs needing done to deliver one of the world's biggest sporting events.

From building key venues such as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome to providing vital services like catering and security, the Games will bring in a host of business opportunities to the city.

And to make sure companies from Glasgow and the rest of Scotland get involved, the organisers today launched the Commonwealth Games Business Portal in front of an audience from across the Scottish business community.

The portal will provide an opportunity for businesses to find all the information necessary to compete for contracts related to the Games.

At the launch, city council leader Steven Purcell said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will clearly provide an enormous range of opportunities for businesses in the city and beyond.

"The Business Portal will ensure that businesses that are ready to register will have the chance to bid for contracts, developing their skills and capacity to ensure a real legacy of increased capability and expertise.

"I am confident that our world-class firms will be able to play their part in delivering a memorable Commonwealth Games."

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick hopes firms from across the city will rise to the challenge presented by the Games.

Mr Patrick said: "Here is the opportunity for business to take the first tangible steps in connecting with the Commonwealth Games to win as many as possible of the contracts that will arise in all sectors from construction to the service industries.

"We want to make sure the Games have the widest impact possible on Glasgow business and this is the beginning of that happening."

Dr Lesley Sawers, chair of BusinessClub Scotland, said: "Previous host cities such as Manchester, Sydney and Melbourne have delivered massive economic benefits to their business communities, and the launch of this portal is a vital step in helping us do the same in Glasgow.

"The 2014 Commonwealth Games provide a huge opportunity for businesses in Glasgow and throughout Scotland, and we must ensure everybody is given the opportunity to compete for the many contracts that will be available in the coming months and years. To achieve that objective, BusinessClub Scotland will be holding similar launches across the country over the coming weeks."

Companies of all sizes can compete for Games-related contracts but firms that wish to be considered must pre-register their details to create a business readiness profile.

This is done through a free, online process that should take no longer than 45 minutes.

The organisers say there are three main reasons why firms should pre-register.

First, it means information on areas such as health and safety and insurance can be collected.

Second, it will ensure businesses can get in place the requirements necessary to be matched with and considered for opportunities in time.

And finally, to save time on future applications from businesses, information from past tender questionnaires will be used to fill future ones.

It is expected that the portal will benefit businesses by helping firms to develop their business networks, providing buyers with the widest possible network to engage with a diverse supply chain, giving access to business support networks and identifying potential partners for the formation of an onward supply chain.

To ensure the highest possible business performance, the organisers say it is necessary to ensure as many firms as possible can compete for contracts.

Businesses interested in supplying services for the Games should visit www.glasgow2014.com/businessportal or phone 0845 272 2014.

The Business Portal has been developed by the city council, in partnership with Glasgow 2014 Ltd, the Organising Committee for the Games. TIMES FILE

THERE are a host of jobs that need to be done: Construction: Building venues such as the 4000-seat Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will offer contracting possibilities.

Catering:

Hundreds of athletes, coaches, support staff and spectators will all need to be fed.

Security:

This will be a top priority.

Transport:

From team transport by taxi to supporter coach hire, people will be criss-crossing the city in a variety of ways.