Tough times spread 'Christmas fear' for sports and social clubs
(Reported in C&W in Business Issue 22 March April 2011)
INSOLVENCY specialists are anticipating a surge in the number of sports and social clubs looking for help to avoid catching a business cold this winter.
With the festive season on the horizon, experts at Cranfield Business Recovery, in Coventry city centre, said sports and social clubs were increasingly feeling the winter chill and it is working to help many from becoming ghosts of Christmas past.
The company has already seen a four-fold increase in the number of clubs approaching it for help to guide them through the ongoing tough economic climate.
The state of the economy, social changes, the increase in availability of cheap alcohol, and the impact of the smoking ban have all come under the spotlight as factors contributing to the decline of sports and social clubs.
And at a time of year historically when many have been snowed under with party bookings and the focal point for communities, many are now feeling the pinch.
Tony Mitchell, managing director of Cranfield Business Recovery, said: “I think nationally we’ve seen sports and social clubs facing increasingly difficult trading conditions which has resulted in a significant number ceasing to trade. Over the festive period, sports and social clubs have traditionally been hives of activity, and although this may well happen this year, January and February will again be a tough trading period.
“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 don’t necessarily spell disaster and our aim at Cranfield is to use our expertise and guide sports and social clubs towards the most satisfactory solutions.”
