Leisure sector 'latent vehicle for growth'
The leisure sector is a "latent vehicle for economic growth" providing 27% of jobs undertaken by young people, delegates at the Business In Sport And Leisure's (BISL) annual conference will be told.
The conference, to be held on 10 November at Lord's Cricket Ground, London, will adopt the theme of "Leisure Works" and marks the 25th anniversary of the organisation.
"The sport, leisure and hospitality industry that BISL represents is a very significant part of the UK economy, generating over three per cent of GDP and employing in excess of four million people," said BISL chief executive Dominic Harrison.
"Our businesses have traditionally created one in four new jobs and provided 27 per cent of the jobs undertaken by young people, making us a latent vehicle for economic growth. BISL's 'Leisure Works' theme reflects these important characteristics and we will be highlighting how the industry can contribute to the economic recovery."
He added: "With specific reference to the gambling sector the message we are sending to government is the need to reintroduce the triennial review as a method of creating a stable environment within which manufacturers, operators, retailers and indeed regulators can move forward in a sensible and business like manner.
"Similarly the proposed introduction of Machine Gaming Duty will put more businesses and more jobs at risk at a time when the economy can so ill afford it. Leisure does indeed work, providing it is allowed to."
BISL members include Danoptra Limited (owner of Gamestec, the largest gaming machine operator in the UK pub sector), pub operator J D Wetherspoon, betting and gaming operators Gala Coral Group and Rank Group, bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill, low stake high volume gaming operators Praesepe and Talarius and server-based gaming companies Inspired Gaming Group and The Global Draw.
The list of confirmed speakers attending the BISL Conference on 10th November will be announced shortly. For information on how to attend email nznaqn.sel@ovfy.bet.
