A report detailing the financial impact for the city of a newly-promoted Premier League club states promotion brought in £212m to their local economy over the course of just one season. Nottingham Forest achieved promotion to the top flight on Sunday (May 29) after beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Brighton & Hove Albion achieved automatic promotion in the 2016/17 season, playing in the top tier for the first time since 1982/83. According to a report from Albion in the Community, the official charity of that football club, the economic contribution to the city region's economy was £212m for the 2017/18 season.
That figure can be broken down into £150.5m of direct income to the football club, with spending by local employees, contracting with local businesses and spending away from their stadium accounting for around £60m. The income to Brighton & Hove Albion for the season before was less than a fifth of that figure, at less than £30m.
These are figures for the 2017/18 season, and with the financial benefit of the Premier League and its fanbase across the world ever increasing, Nottingham may see an even bigger boost than Brighton.
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In terms of reach, the report states: "Premier League status has transformed Brighton & Hove Albion into one of Greater Brighton's most internationally recognisable businesses, carrying the City Region's name wherever it goes. In 2017/18, 15 of the club's games were broadcast live, reaching a global audience of 102m, providing unrivalled opportunities to promote 'brand Brighton' to potential visitors, investors and students throughout the world."
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: "Celebrations won't have died down yet (they may never die down!) among Nottingham Forest fans, who will be looking ahead to life back in the Premier League after a fantastic season that has galvanised the city. And while winning the Championship play-off final is said to be worth £170m nowadays, the rewards for the local economy will go much further.
"Football is the world's most-watched sport and the Premier League is the most popular national club competition, so playing in the top tier is another opportunity to put the Nottingham name on a global stage once again. At a time when the city is seeking inward investment for some exciting regeneration projects, this will certainly do no harm in elevating its international profile.
"More generally, a successful sports team creates a healthy atmosphere across the whole area, bringing with it significant positive economic consequences, not least for the hospitality businesses and transport networks that have endured a tough period over the past couple of years. Being back in the top-flight for the first time in 23 years also offers the prospect of different clubs' fans visiting Nottingham, perhaps for the first time - boosting the local economy via spending in pubs, hotels, restaurants and shops, but also enhancing the city’s wider reputation as a destination.
"But promotion is also about much more than that. Nottingham Forest is woven into the city and county's fabric, and having its Premier League status restored after more than two decades creates a huge sense of pride for its community."
Labour councillor David Mellen, who represents the Dales ward and is leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "We're so happy for Nottingham that Forest fans' dream of being a Premier League club has finally become a reality after more than two decades. This is what being a supporter is all about - making and sharing memories with others.
"There will be a generation of young Forest fans who have never before witnessed their team competing with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool every week. On behalf of the council, I’d like to congratulate Steve Cooper, his players and staff, the club’s board and owners, plus those incredible fans who travelled down to north-west London in their thousands to represent our proud city.
"We must recognise Huddersfield, too, who played so well on the day. This is a huge moment for Nottingham."
