Knowles

If it's not a contradiction in terms, leisure is big business. The leisure industry encompasses sport and recreation, health and fitness, betting and gambling. Knowles understands the importance of this ever increasing business sector and the implication for the construction and engineering industry.

The scope of the sector, some figures:

• sport is a major contributor to the   UK economy and accounts for   around 2% of GDP;

• the Government receives four   times more money from sport   through taxes than it returns   through central and local   government grants;

• consumer spending on sport   stood at £15.2bn in 2000 (around   3% of GDP), an increase of 70%   since 1990, with 64% being spent   on sports services and is   predicted to grow by 10% in 2002   (Sheffield Hallam University-   Sport Market Forecast);

• approx £1.6bn was bet on   greyhound racing in 2000 - nearly   4% of UK gambling market;

• £5bn was spent on horse betting   in the UK in 2001;

• National Lottery sales are   currently £4.8bn;

• £550.1m was taken at 440   cinemas in 2001; there were 141   million admissions to 2,574   screens.

As a nation, there is no doubt that sport has a special place in our hearts - around three quarters of UK adults experience live sports each year. An awareness of the need for a healthier lifestyle, the perception of a need for a good work/life balance and increased leisure time has seen a rapid growth in sports and recreation facilities. An estimated 9.9% of the population are members of public and private fitness facilities - health clubs, leisure centres, and gyms. And around 60% of UK adults claim to participate in sport on a regular basis.

With the expansion in sport and leisure activities the construction industry has seen an increase in the construction of facilities associated with sport and leisure. Sport England and the Lottery Commission are two main funding contributors which in turn have enabled the expansion of sporting facilities to rapidly progress. Knowles has a keen understanding of the complicated nature of this business sector and are proud to work with Sport England on the Wembley Stadium project. Knowles also contributes to many sport and leisure projects throughout the UK and worldwide through our many clients associated with this business sector.

Should you have a problem you would like to discuss or require more information on Knowles services aligned to this business sector please contact info@jrknowles.com

Wembley Stadium - Case Study

Sport and Leisure Experience

Sport & Leisure