The British Council has welcomed the news that the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have boosted the UK economy by almost £10 billion, as the first anniversary of the Games approaches.
Commenting on the report and the anniversary, John Worne, the British Council's Director of Strategy, said:
“There’s good evidence that London 2012 changed what the world thinks about us. Our own global research showed people were significantly more interested in visiting, studying in or doing business with the UK as a result of the Olympics. And the Games also shifted perceptions on everything from the quality of our arts scene to our sense of humour.
“But we can’t wave from the 2012 podium forever. So, one year on, it’s time to face up to the fact that keeping our place in the world’s cultural medal table is going to take some sustained hard work. So we need to tackle issues like our lack of foreign language skills and the decline in the number of foreign students coming to the UK."