West Bridgford ‘buzzing’ about Forest’s promotion
TOWN’S BUSINESSES HOPE TO BENEFIT FROM STEP UP TO TOP FLIGHT
BUSINESSES in West Bridgford are ready to make the most of Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.
The Reds beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 at Wembley in the Championship play-off final, and start their campaign in the top tier next month, with their first home game, against West Ham, on August 14.
It has been previously predicted that the value of promotion to the Premier League will go “far beyond” an estimated £170m.
Owners of hospitality businesses and managers in Nottinghamshire previously said they expect to make more money when the season starts.
And those in West Bridgford town centre agree that Forest’s promotion will benefit them, with one owner saying it’s up to them to make the most of it.
Peri Theodosiou, 31, owner of Forde’s Coffee and Sandwich Bar, said: “The promotion has been a great success for the team. The atmosphere around West Bridgford and Nottingham in general has been amazing.
“There’s a lot more positivity around the area, especially speaking with customers.
“I think it will increase the footfall as the stadium is just close by, and it will be positive for all the businesses around the West Bridgford area.
“Whether it’ll increase profits, that’s down to business owners. If you continue to serve quality products and have a great service, the footfall will hopefully increase the trade in West Bridgford.”
Jack Priestley, 24, bar manager at Hopkinson’s Blue Camel Café, Bar and Vintage, said: “It will be good for local businesses, but also good for the city in terms of being able to get behind a football team, even more than they already do.
“It was nice to see the way people celebrated after the victory that brought them up.
“When there’s a game on, we get a lot busier.
“I guess that will increase now with more people visiting the stadium soon. In terms of getting more recognition, I hope we do.”
Sinan Catik, 42, cashier at The Blue Convenience Store, said: “As long as Forest stay in the Premier League, it’s going to affect all businesses.
“With the big teams and clubs coming in, and their supporters coming in, there will be more money generation in a good way.
“Last year, during match days it used to get very busy. Now, it’s going to be busier than normal.”
Student Elena Watson, 20, who lives in West Bridgford, said: “The celebration after they were promoted left the area buzzing.
“I’m sure as the Premier League starts and there are more matches, West Bridgford and Nottingham will make a great name for itself, and it’s a nice area too.”
Stephen Brecknock, 37, a warehouse worker who lives in The Meadows, said: “It’s going to be good for the economy, isn’t it?
“When there are Forest matches, there are thousands of people around here.
“When the Premier League starts, it’s going to be amazing.
“My kids are big Forest supporters so they’re more excited than I am.”