Tony Mitchell
Tony's recent articles
- A Year of Celebration
19th January - Bankruptcy Tourism – Another E.U. Headache
20th October - The Third Sector Under Pressure
14th July
Tough Times for Sports & Social Clubs
16th December 2010 14:01
With the festive season approaching and much of the country gripped by bad weather and with more to come, Sports and Social Clubs are increasingly feeling the winter chill and many clubs are working hard to avoid becoming ghosts of Christmases past.
During 2010 I have seen Sports and Social Clubs facing increasingly difficult trading conditions which has resulted in a significant number ceasing to trade. At Cranfield we have seen a four-fold increase in the number of Sports and Social Clubs seeking advice and assistance during 2010.
The state of the economy, social changes and the increase in the availability of cheap alcohol from supermarkets and other “off-licence” premises can also be highlighted as factors contributing to the decline and increasing financial difficulties.
Finding members to give up a significant amount of time is also difficult and who can blame members for not wishing to join the Committee. The new Police and Social Responsibility Bill for example proposes the possibility of a fine of up to £20,000 and a possible six month prison sentence for those who do not pay the annual fee to the local licensing authority.
We have already worked with a number of Clubs to help steer them through troubled times and are being approached by many more. Tough times do not necessarily spell disaster and our aim at Cranfield is to use our expertise to guide Sports and Social Clubs towards the most satisfactory solution for all involved.
