The sports industry is big business for the UK economy. A recent report undertaken by Sport England estimated that in 2010, sport and sport-related activity generated Gross Value Added (GVA) of £20.3 billion in England alone. The report also stated that over 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs are supported by the sports industry, equating to approximately 2.3% of all English jobs.
This economic advantage isn’t the only benefit that sport brings to the UK. The health benefits of taking part in sport and the feel-good factor gleaned from watching sport is also invaluable.
What role do telecommunications systems play in sports?
Business telephone systems and IT solutions are valuable tools in helping to generate income for sports venues today. Enabling clubs to interact with fans and local businesses, telephone and IT systems are central to their daily operations.
Phone System Features
When it comes to business telephone systems, sports clubs can benefit from a wide range of phone system features. Features such as auto-attendant, music-on-hold and call-forwarding can enable customer enquiries to be quickly routed to their correct destination and handled with an efficient and professional service that gives a long-lasting positive impression.
A professional designed and installed business telephone system can help take care of all your customers’ needs from buying tickets, booking function rooms and organising corporate hospitality events.
For specialist departments such as corporate events, a dedicated direct dial-in (DDI) number can be set up allowing calls to be managed via a dedicated telephone line. This not only ensures utmost efficiency in operations but enables clubs to provide a premium service to high-value customers such as sponsors and corporate partners.
IT System Solutions
With consumers today preferring to make purchases and enquiries online, a robust IT system is also essential for the successful running of a sports club’s business. Answering emails, administering bookings and keeping in touch with your customers via social networking sites are tasks that must be fulfilled on a daily basis.
Ensure your online activity is carried out quickly and efficiently by installing a superfast broadband connection. Including ADSL2+, Annex M and more, there are many broadband options to suit your individual business needs.
SMS Text Messaging Solutions
An effective communication solution that an increasing number of companies and sports clubs are adopting today is SMS text messaging.
Over 90% of mobile phone users use text messages to stay in touch with family and friends, and businesses are realising the benefits of these systems too. With text messages reportedly being read within an average of 5 seconds of receipt, text messaging is quick, convenient and incredibly cost-effective.
Campaign activity is managed through a dedicated, easy to use online portal and can be set up and scheduled in advance. Campaigns can consist of single or multiple-messages and make use of keywords depending on your needs.
Audio Visual Equipment
For a complete communications solution to benefit your sports club or venue, audio visual equipment can be a valuable addition. Useful for corporate events, for providing in-ground entertainment and for enhancing function room facilities, a professionally designed and installed AV solution will certainly benefit your business.
For more information on business telephone systems and IT solutions for sports grounds and clubs, contact Direct Voice and Data for a discussion of your needs. Call 0800 84 999 84 or visit our website.
