Commerce chief calls on county to embrace Ashes Test

Trent Bridge will host the first Investec Ashes Test for five days from Wednesday, 10th July with hotels, entertainment venues, transport providers, bars and restaurants set to benefit from an economic windfall as capacity crowds flock to Nottinghamshire.

The historic cricketing rivalry between England and Australia provides one of sport’s most prestigious rivalries with tickets selling out within hours of going on sale.

“The achievement of Trent Bridge in securing Ashes Tests will reap rewards for businesses across the county and the wider supply chain,” said George.

“The direct economic impact will provide a multi-million pouind injection for the local economy in addition to the reputational benefits of having one of our most prized sporting venues broadcast to a global audience running into hundreds of millions.”

More than 150 Nottinghamshire businesses wrote letters of support to accompany the Trent Bridge bid having attended seminars to learn how they could benefit from a period of increased activity and tourism.

“An event of this scale is a shot in the arm for Nottinghamshire and the fact that Trent Bridge presented a bid that demonstrated that the business community were united behind the venue punctuated a compelling presentation,” said Cowcher.

“This event belongs to everyone and it is a clear endorsement of partnership working to deliver something that will be the envy of many a city.”

In addition to private sector support, Trent Bridge has worked in partnership with local authorities who will play a part in the delivery of the event having been on hand to support the bidding process.

Nottinghamshire County Council decided to provide a £900,000 grant to part-finance the installation of the second permanent replay screen. The partnership was a key factor in securing Ashes Tests in 2013 and 2015.

“Nottinghamshire County Council were motivated to provide assistance for the replay screen because it was a crucial factor in securing all of the benefits that will be reaped as a direct result of these matches taking place in Nottinghamshire,” said Cowcher.

“The investment goes beyond the physical building because the club have pledged to make significant investments in community schemes including the £270,000 social inclusion project in Hawtonville, Newark, to ensure that there is a meaningful legacy that can be felt long after the series is settled.

“I feel immense pride to see such a success story brought about through hard work and co-operation between so many organisations and individuals.”