He’s also described the effect Premier League football has had on morale in Bournemouth, its significant social impact and the pull it has for students and businesses to the town – and believes a whole area needs to buy into the football club’s success to reap the benefits.
Ian said: “Premier League status for AFC Bournemouth has delivered measurable economic, social and reputational benefits for Bournemouth and Dorset.
“Promotion alone has previously been estimated to add around £60m to the local economy, driven by visitor spending, media exposure and business activity.
“The Premier League’s global reach also raises place visibility, helping smaller locations like Bournemouth appear regularly in international broadcasts watched in hundreds of markets. At UK level, the league supports over 100,000 jobs and £9.8bn in economic value, illustrating the scale of spillover effects local clubs can tap into.
“Tourism and inward interest typically rise on match weekends and during televised fixtures, reinforcing Bournemouth’s already visitor-led economy.
“Premier League presence also influences education and skills and research shows that some students chose Bournemouth University because of its Premier League team and partnership, showing sport can affect university attractiveness and talent retention.
“The club contributes locally through community programmes, with AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust employing over 50 staff and delivering initiatives in health, mental wellbeing and social inclusion across Dorset.
“Beyond economics, top-flight status often brings a “civic pride” effect – raising morale, strengthening identity and improving external perceptions, particularly while results and media coverage remain strong.
“Businesses can maximise the benefits of Premier League football by aligning marketing and offers with fixtures and visiting supporters, including tailored hospitality, retail and tourism packages.
“The league’s global visibility can also be used in recruitment and place-branding to attract talent and investment. Companies should consider building partnerships with the club, the university and fan-focused events, while extending opening hours or creating matchday experiences to capture increased footfall.
“Collaboration across sectors – particularly hotels, transport providers and leisure operators – can further help the region capture visitor spend and turn matchday attention into longer-term economic value.
“There is no doubt that Premier League status creates a tangible ‘feel good’ factor that also unites the community.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve had some really valuable insight from colleagues at Chambers across the country on how we, as a region, can make the most of Premier League status.
“With the number of clubs in London, Manchester and Liverpool, there are actually only around nine or ten other towns or cities who can actually boast Premier League football at any given time – so it’s massive.
“The point around collaboration and joining together is a really important one and I’ve already been in contact with the other leaders and stakeholders in the region to make sure we are ready for this opportunity.”
