Testun llawn:
The economic benefits of sport in the West Midlands is also recognised and a Sport England survey in 2008, showed continued growth from 2002 with over £2.1 billion spent on sport-related goods and services in the region in 2008. In the same year, consumer expenditure on sport accounts for 2.9% of the total expenditure in the region, the highest percentage among the English regions. Compared with 2005, there is a 39% increase in sport-related consumption. During the period 2003-2008, the proportion of total consumer spending on sport has increased from 2.4% to 2.9%.
Sport and associated industries are estimated to employ 54,200 people in the West Midlands. This represents an increase of 23% over the period 2005-2008. During the aforementioned period, the percentage of sport related employment in the region increased from 1.8% to 2.2%. Employment linked to the sport-retailing sector increased very strongly during the 2005-2008 period, reaching 5,400 people employed. The region bucked the recession trend in all sport related indicators. Sport therefore plays a vital role in the economy in the West Midlands.
Whilst Sport England does not have evidence on the economic impact that sport has on Warwick DC, given the amount of sport played in and around the District, the economic value of sport to Warwick DC should not be overlooked.
Commercial indoor five aside, commercial indoor cricket, have been growing markets even in the most recent recession, creating employment and training opportunities on business parks. D2 uses therefore should be considered along side B1 uses, just as a number of gyms such as Virgin and Fitness First have been on business parks elsewhere in the country. E.g. Wolverhampton Business Park , Wolverhampton.
There is usually more employment opportunities generated through a commercial gym, e.g. David Lloyd Gyms or commercial football e.g. Football First D2 use, than a 100,000m2 B8 use.