With London on track with its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, the University of Luton, is offering businesses in the capital free language classes to help them cope with the influx of visitors from all over the world.

The University of Luton has joined forces with Bexley Grammar School and four other specialist language schools, the Specialist Schools Trust and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) UK Trade & Investment, to deliver the project, World-Class Skills for London.

It will offer training for 150 people from small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in languages, to meet their international trade needs. The courses are intensive and are run at times to suit small firms, including those in the service industry, which will be on the frontline during the Olympics.

The specialist language schools will deliver the free courses for businesses in five areas of London over the next two years. The participants will be working towards recognised qualifications equivalent to NVQ Level Two, and above.

Rita Mascia is the WCL Project Manager at the University of Luton’s Business Development Directorate, which runs the Language for Culture and Business (LCB) programme. Rita said: "The courses, which are available to any SMEs based in London, are ideal for any organisation that needs its staff to communicate in a foreign language and to understand business culture, such as importers, exporters, companies offering international services, and especially companies connected with the Olympic bid."

Languages on offer include French, Spanish, Italian, German and Mandarin Chinese.

For more information visit www.lcb.org.uk/london.