LONDON: Olympic contracts have benefited British businesses by more than $8.3 million ahead of the 2012 London Games.

The Olympic Delivery Authority says of about 1,000 suppliers, almost half are from outside London.

A Welsh company is providing the steel for the aquatics center roof, a Scottish firm is building the basketball structure and a Northern Irish business is constructing the main pedestrian bridge within the Olympic Park.

ODA chairman John Armitt said Wednesday: "Businesses of all sizes and from every sector are working together to deliver the largest project this country has seen for generations and are reaping the benefits of millions of pounds worth of work."