Following the completion of the £32 million redevelopment
at Edgbaston, Warwickshire County Cricket Club has today announced
a 50% increase in turnover and an operating profit of
£326,828 (2010: loss of £2,102,883) for the year ended
30th September 2011.
With the redeveloped Edgbaston Stadium accommodating a combined
attendance of more than 110,000 for the 3rd npower Test Match
between England and India and Friends Life t20 Finals Day in 2011,
the results are encouraging for the Club following the
disappointment of reporting an operating loss in 2010.
Year on year turnover increased by 50% as the Club maximised its
new 25,000 capacity for its two Major Matches, in comparison to the
reduced capacity for the fixtures in 2010 whilst the development
work was on-going.
As well as the Major Match cricket success, the Club has also
reinvigorated its hospitality and events business by creating a
joint-venture company, Edgbaston Experience Limited, with its
long-standing catering partner Compass Group, for the operation of
its new conference, banqueting, wedding, and exhibition
facilities.
Craig Flindall, Finance Director of Warwickshire County Cricket
Club, said: "The redevelopment is an essential part of creating a
more rounded and robust business model and has already shown to be
paying dividends for the Club after it was opened on schedule for
the India Test Match in August. The main contract was also
delivered under budget, which represents a significant achievement
for the Club. It has made the last 12 months one of the most
exciting periods in the Club's history and these results are
certainly a step in the right direction following the
disappointment of 2010".
"Whilst we're acutely aware that we are still trading in tough
economic conditions and have on-going repayment obligations to
meet, with England playing at Edgbaston in all three forms of the
games in 2012; 31 days of Major Match cricket confirmed here in the
next five years and the growing popularity of our new facilities
for conferences, weddings and exhibitions, we have much to look
forward this year and beyond".