Background/methodology

KKP's study into the economic impact of sport, on behalf of the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) comprised:

• Compilation of a database of sports related businesses across the region
• Mapping this data by geographic area and type of sporting activity.
• Measurement of its impact on and contribution to the region's economy.
• Identification of projects with the greatest economic growth potential.
• Recommendations on the way ahead.

The combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques resulted in a study that has been cited as one of the most detailed assessments yet produced of the sector's economic contribution.

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Examples of key findings

Non-professional sport accounts for 46,775 jobs -approximately 2.4% of all jobs in the East Midlands and contributes £1,421m to the region's gross value added; whilst professional clubs and venues, account for 2,238 jobs, generating £85.95m in wages/salaries and £133.43m GVA.

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Proposed actions

Proposals were drawn-up across five main categories and broken down into broad action areas. Each was then classified as immediate, short, medium or long-term. They include:

• Strategic planning and leadership.
• Loughborough, performance sport, research and innovation.
• Professional sports clubs and venues.
• Directly relevant business support.
• Sport contribution to marketing, branding and tourism in the region.

Requirements

A delivery framework was also produced, covering areas such as:

• Strategic management/leadership.
• A regional economic plan for sport.
• Information requirements.
• Lobbying and communications.
• Clearer links between sport and other regional strategies.

Collaboration between professional sports clubs and key major venue operators.