A small Cambridgeshire business is set to double its profits after winning a licence to sell Olympic souvenirs.

Francis Maude, the minister for the cabinet office, visited directors of A Touch of Ginger yesterday, to see how it was benefiting from London hosting the 2012 Olympics this summer.

The design company, based in Whittlesford, has been awarded a licence to supply London 2012 branded gifts, including a range of stainless steel wallet tools and limited edition stainless steel playing cards.

Gary Moore, co-director and designer at A Touch of Ginger, described getting the licence as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

He said: “The impact of the London 2012 licence on our business has been immense – and we’ve hardly started.

“We expect to grow our business by 50 per cent as a direct result of our involvement.”

 The Olympic souvenirs designed by the company range from £5 games for children up to limited edition pieces that cost just under £2,000.

Adam Cash, also a designer and director of the company, added: “It is such a special event we think people will want to have a piece of it, so we have made the products obtainable for everyone.”

Also benefiting from London 2012 is the St Neots-based company Spearmark, which has won a licence to produce drinks bottles, lunchware and tinware for the Games.

The exclusive deal means only Spearmark will be able to sell the products with the Olympic branding up to the Games.

Mr Maude said: “I am delighted to see how local businesses are thriving as a result of the Games.

“It is essential that the economic benefits of London 2012 are felt throughout the country, not just in London, and that small businesses are given the opportunity to compete at a global level.

“I am very fond of Cambridge, having studied here, and there is a lot for tourists to see and do, so I can see the local economy benefiting immensely.”