We have recorded a successful fifth year of trading in our latest annual review.
For the year ending 31 March 2015, incoming resources are up by 17% on the previous year and overall attendance 16% higher at nearly three million visits. We are creating more surplus year on year to invest in our social objectives to get more people more active, promote participation in events, create access for all, and support the local economy.
Events of all sizes and genres have played their part in our event programme. Catering, entertainment and business events have flourished and traditional events, including pantomime and variety, remain as popular as ever. Over half a million people have come to see mainstream artists, bands and performers such as Lee Mack, Paloma Faith and The Vamps. Performances from the world-famous Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and ballet companies complement and strengthen the event mix.
Close to 93,000 delegates have attended conferences, exhibitions and high profile events at Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavilion. This has generated an estimated £37 million of direct economic benefit for the region to support retail, accommodation and transport services.
Health and fitness membership has flourished and the overall number of people benefiting from an active life style has grown across the portfolio of centres.
Community health projects have diversified and more than doubled in the last 12 months with new activity programmes to boost public wellbeing, thanks to funding and support from partners including Sport England and the National Lottery. This is complemented by the new theatre educational programme, which is providing young people with the opportunity to develop their skills in the performing arts in the wonderful Art Deco Bournemouth Pavilion.
Peter Gunn, Chief Executive says;
“We are in the feel good business and it feels great. This year, we’ve seized the initiative in expanding our market beyond the region. We’ve grown massively, entertaining thousands of people and encouraging thousands more to take up sport and activities to improve their health and wellbeing. We are also delighted to report that visits to major conferences were at their highest for over eight years.
“Our total turnover has increased to nearly £35 million and we are investing back into our venues to revitalise and improve the quality and scope of our services. We have also implemented several green initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, with more in the pipeline.”
“Beyond the Bournemouth area, our hospitality arm has developed throughout the south of England in partnership with GLL and Fusion Lifestyle. We are making good progress in working with both Bournemouth Council and Portsmouth City Council in promoting healthy lifestyles and cultural events, and continue to explore further expansion and partnership opportunities within the region.”
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Notes to the editor
About BH Live
BH Live is the South Coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives. With close to 3 million visits a year and nearly £35 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
In 2014/15, BH Live hosted more than 400 events, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 2.2 million leisure centre visits and welcomed 93,000 conference and exhibition delegates which contributed nearly £37 million to the local economy.
For further press information:
Elizabeth Symmons
PR & Corporate Communications Executive, BH Live
Elizabeth.Symmons@bhlive.org.uk