Football clubs look for a winning pitch

Lancashire-based Frank Whittle Partnership managing partner David Robinson has spoken of the important role football clubs play in their communities and the financial challenges those outside the Premier League face.

Speaking at a Lancashire Business View networking event at Lancaster House hotel, he told the audience that clubs were recognising the need for their stadiums to generate income by being used seven days a week.

Preston-based architecture, design and project management practice Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) is one of the UK’s most successful teams when it comes to maximising the potential of existing and new sporting arenas.

To date more than 80 sports clubs across the country have benefitted from FWP’s Premier League advice, with many going on to design and build modern new facilities.

Lancashire and North West clubs it has worked with include Everton, Preston North End, Oldham Athletic, Fleetwood Town and AFC Fylde.

Speaking on the day it was revealed North West Premier League giant Manchester United’s debt had risen to £366m, David said clubs further down the game’s pyramid were looking to maximise the potential of their grounds as they worked to meet their financial challenges.

He said: “It is about making the stadium and its facilities work for the benefit of the club, not sitting idly for days on end and only being used on match days.”

The event also heard from Gabriela Hammond, head of HR at Burnley-based Veka, winners of this year’s Large Business category at the Red Rose awards.

She told the audience how the business had celebrated its success with its workforce by giving them all a day off in recognition of the part they had played.