They claim that almost three-quarters of British companies say they have not yet looked into the possibilities surrounding the Games.

 

The bank's report found that small and medium-sized companies (SME) were particularly unprepared, with eight out of 10 yet to take any action to evaluate opportunities, compared with 58 per cent of larger businesses.

 

Even though there are more than four years to go to the 2012 opening ceremony, the bank's experts warned companies should already be taking steps to secure a slice of the economic windfall.

 

Lloyds TSB will today launch an official business guide to help companies capitalise on the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

The bank's economic modelling has estimated the entire commercial benefits of the Olympics at £21 billion.

 

Though the South-East will be the biggest beneficiary, with an economic boost of £8.6 billion, Lloyds TSB claims, other regions will benefit.

 

For example, there could be a £4.4 bliionn lift to the economy of the North and North-West, £3.2 billion in the Midlands and £1.7 billion in the South-West and Scotland.

 

While the survey of 800 companies found that those in London were the best prepared, 55 per cent of business in the South-East, 61 per cent in the West Midlands and 77 per cent in the South-West were not.

 

Almost half of the respondents said they needed more support and guidance on how to take full advantage of the potential opportunities.

 

The sectors with the highest levels of optimism for business opportunities were transport and communications, hotel, catering and leisure, and construction.

 

Truett Tate, group executive director of wholesale and international banking at Lloyds TSB, insisted businesses should "take action now in order to grab a slice of the pie".

 

He said: "Regardless of industry or location, the London 2012 games provides a golden opportunity for businesses to expand, diversify and reach new audiences."

 

The research also revealed misconceptions about 2012 contracts.

 

More than a fifth of respondents said it was too early to start looking at opportunities, yet the Olympic Delivery Authority has already let contracts worth more than £1 billion.

 

Despite this, the report said only 31 per cent plan to take any action within the next 12 months.

 

One in five said their business was too small to compete, although most of the contracts let have been won by SMEs, and a quarter felt they would be shut out because they were not based in London.

 

Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012, said: "With over £6 billion of contracts available, businesses need to act now to make the most of the opportunities available between now and 2012."