2nd March 2010 posted by Rosie Jacques
A new framework for the development of the sport business sector over the next ten years has been launched by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
The Sport Sector Strategy for England’s Northwest, launched to coincide with the Soccerex global football conference being held in Manchester, focuses on four key areas that have the potential for economic growth in the Northwest, including:
• Supporting the growth of new and existing sport businesses including sport venues, professional sport clubs and specialist businesses supplying the sector
• Increasing innovation to improve product development, particularly within the manufacture of advanced flexible materials
• Promoting activity which levers investment into the region, including the outdoor adventure market
• Maximising the economic, social and health benefits of sport to individuals and communities across the Northwest
In the Northwest, the sport sector has a major impact on the regional economy, with over 8,350 businesses employing almost 100,000 people and generating a turnover of £6.5 billion. The new Strategy provides a window of opportunity to capitalise on predicted growth as result of the UK’s ‘Golden Decade of Sport’, including London 2012 and associated Government policies to increase activity levels.
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said: “The Northwest has a strong sporting heritage, and the sector itself plays a vital role in our economy, generating more sport businesses, employees and a higher turnover than other English regions. Our sporting profile can only grow further with innovative technology opening up new markets, not to mention the relocation of BBC Sport and Radio Five Live to MediaCityUK. This new strategy will help to capitalise on our existing assets, exploit opportunities for future growth and ensure the sector continues to thrive well into the future.”
Source: Northwest Reginal Development Agency