WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club has announced a pre-tax surplus of just under £60,000 up to the end of last season – the fourth year in a row it has made a profit.
The New Road outfit made a total of £59,833 for the year ending September 30, 2013, down on the 2012 surplus of £225,009.
The coffers were boosted by a visit from the Australian touring team in July and good weather for the t20 tournament but delays in the construction of the new ‘View’ building because of poor weather last winter hit profits with the club’s catering making a loss of almost £9,600.
David Leatherdale, chief executive, said he was still pleased with the club’s finances.
“We are delighted to show a surplus for the fourth consecutive year despite considerable disruption during the construction of the now completed “View” development scheme.
“Five winter floods and the coldest March for many years severely affected the early construction phase resulting in a three month delay and a shortfall against budgeted revenue of in excess of £500,000.
“This was particularly noticeable across the catering and commercial areas due to the expected new facilities and seating being unavailable for our key four day Australia tourist match in July and the whole of the home T20 campaign.
“However, The launch of our new membership packages for the 2014 season in September 2013 saw the new elite “View” membership facility sell out in less than 4 weeks and with the recent opening of the adjoining 120 bedroom Premier Inn hotel expecting in excess of 35,000 visitors per year, it is fair to say we now have facilities to admire which will be of real benefit to members, spectators and the city alike.
“This can only help the Club achieve our aim of being a truly 365 day a year business generating new and sustainable cricket and non-cricket revenue which can be re-invested back in the team and the club over the years to come.”
The club’s finances are set to be discussed at Worcestershire’s Annual General Meeting which takes place on Monday, February 24 at 7pm in the Graeme Hick Pavillion.
