Champions League victory could boost city by £10m

THE clash of football titans Manchester United and Barcelona could boost the Greater Manchester economy by as much as £10m, a study predicted today.

The UEFA Champions League final in Rome on May 27 will give the beleaguered pubs and restaurants sector the biggest fillip, business advisers and accountants Grant Thornton said.
 
Also benefiting will be bookmakers, while both the region’s airports, Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon, will also see a upsurge in traffic.

GT believes some of Manchester’s biggest bars and restaurants will be expecting to see turnover of around £15,000 – £24,000, the equivalent of a Saturday night.

With an estimated 25,000 fans also expected to travel to Rome, the region’s transport hubs, are likely to enjoy a £1.25m windfall.

Alysoun Stewart, head of the entrepreneurial advisory team at Grant Thornton, said even if they don’t win, the city’s economy would be boosted by £6m: “This figure represents the tip of the iceberg.  If Manchester United actually win then research has shown that the home city of the victorious team can expect to benefit by more than £10m due to enhanced profile and reputation.

“A win in Rome on May 27th will be good news for all of Manchester in economic terms.”

Restaurateur Paul Heathcote, who runs Grado and The Olive Press in the city centre, said: “Any sporting event has an impact on the restaurant economy but a sporting event on this scale and taking place mid week is like having another Saturday night in the week.

“’I’d expect business to at least double and besides benefitting my restaurant this is something which will have a major positive impact on the whole of the city and economy in general with bars and hotels all feeling a difference.”

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association said: “It’s difficult to put an exact figure on how much extra revenue this will generate but certainly it will be a big night for pubs in Manchester.”

The Champions League is the most lucrative footballing competition in the world, with the winner collecting nearly £30m. Manchester United is bidding to be the first club ever to retain the title.