BUSINESS leaders can’t put a figure on the ‘huge economic boost’ coming to Coventry if the Sky Blues seal their place in the Premier League tomorrow (Friday April 17).
Corin Crane, the chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, says the city will benefit from having the ‘eyes of the world’ on it if City get the one point they need to confirm their place back in the top-flight of English football for the first time since 2001.
He expects the region to benefit economically if the Sky Blues join the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in the biggest domestic league in the world.
The club has already seen enhanced profile from its improving fortunes on the pitch – with two appearances in the play-offs and an FA Cup semi-final in recent seasons – and promotion would put the city on the map globally.
Corin said: “It’s hard to put an exact figure on what Premier League football would mean in terms of an economic boost but there is plenty of evidence out there to say it will be huge.
“The Premier League’s international profile has moved on massively since the Sky Blues were last there in 2001 and is now followed by close to two billion people worldwide.
“So, in terms of profile alone, having the eyes of the world on the city and our name reaching global audiences on an almost daily basis is massive and could have a positive impact on inward investment.
“It would bring additional visitors to Coventry, and colleagues at the North East Chamber have told us how Sunderland’s promotion has led to an increase in food and beverage spend in the city.
“They also cite interest from overseas in Sunderland and a boost to tourism.”
He stated recent figures which show the Premier League contributes £10billion to the UK economy – around 60 per cent coming from outside London.
He added: “Suddenly, Coventry and Warwickshire will be part of that and it will bring jobs and increased spending to the area.
“Also, you have to factor in the confidence boost it will give to the local region – from its people to its businesses. If you speak to people locally, they’ll tell you that productivity increased when Coventry City lifted the FA Cup in 1987.
“Winning promotion and then being back in the Premier League would be on a par with that!
“It’s very close to being confirmed now and it’s clear that there is a big prize for the whole region in reaching the Premier League.
“And you have to say hats off to Doug King, Frank Lampard and everyone at the football club for such an incredible effort this season.”
Coventry City need just one point from their remaining four matches to mathematically confirm promotion to the Premier League. Their next chance comes against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Friday (April 17), with kick-off at 8pm.
