
Here you will find sources of information such as market research (statistics, trends and developments), key companies, trade magazines, newsletters, and Internet sources.
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the sports industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Start-Up Information
The Cobra database contains practical fact-sheets on all aspects of starting, running and managing a small business – including information on writing business plans, marketing, company structures etc.
It also covers the practical aspects of how to start and run particular types of businesses – outlining necessary skills, regulations, licences and legislation etc. and highlights other sources of information and advice available.
Business Opportunity Profiles (BOP)
Bike Shop | BOP196 |
Country Sports Retailer | BOP569 |
Horse Riding School | BOP131 |
Livery Yard | BOP079 |
Outdoor Activity Centre | BOP174 |
Personal Fitness Trainer | BOP379 |
Sports Shop | BOP317 |
Introduction to Community Amateur Sports Clubs | BIF501 |
Tack Shop | BOP302 |
Mini Business Profiles (MBP)
All-terrain Boarding Centre | MBP073 |
Archery Instructor | MBP246 |
Betting Shop | MBP095 |
Bike and Watersports Equipment Hire | MBP373 |
Go-Karting Circuit | MBP035 |
Indoor Climbing Centre | MBP255 |
Martial Arts Instructor | MBP410 |
Outdoor and Extreme Sports Instructor | MBP422 |
Snooker Hall | MBP428 |
Bike and Watersports Instructor | MBP373 |
Outdoor Watersports Instructor | MBP228 |
Market Research & Statistics
If you are planning on starting a business you will need to be aware of the latest trends, developments and opportunities within your industry which can all be found from market research.
Market research also covers market size and forecasts, consumer demographics and attitudes, the key players and products and will often include SWOT and PEST analysis showing areas of strength, weakness, opportunities etc.
- Gambling and Betting Activities
- Online Sporting Retailers
- Sporting Goods Manufacturing
- Sporting & Outdoor Equipment
- Sports Clubs
- Sports Facilities
- Attitude Toward Sports Nutrition
- Betting Shops
- Cycling
- Economic and Social Impact of the 2010 World Cup
- ESports
- Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools
- London Olympics 2012: What the Games Mean for Business
- Major Sporting Events
- Online Gaming and Betting
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Spectator Sports
- Sport and the Media
- Sports & Energy Drinks
- Sports Betting
- Sports and Outdoor Fashion
- Sports Sponsorship
- Sports Participation
- Ten Pin Bowling
- The Football Industry
- Winter Sports in Europe
- Equipment and Apparel Market 2018 – 2025 (via Allied Market Global)
- Europe Sports Equipment market 2019-2026 (via Allied Market Global)
- Global Sports Analytics Market 2019-2026
- Sports Apparel Market- 2019-2026
- Sports Protective Equipment Market 2018 – 2026 (via Allied Market Global)
- Sportswear in the United Kingdom (reports also available for other countries)
Local Data Online
Provides a birds-eye view of the makeup and complexity of the retail and leisure offering in a chosen location.
Review key trends over time:
- Vacancy rates
- Occupancy trends
- Retail mix
Understand demand profiles through demographic data such as:
- Employment statistics
- Average weekly earnings
- Crime rates
- Unemployment
- House prices
Also, contact details and individual reports of companies in the digital communications industry are available from our electronic sources: Market IQ.
Business News & Journals
In order to find the latest news on your topic it is always worth searching NewsBank and EMIS.
You will find articles from specialist business and academic journals, as well as newspapers and magazines. You may also find market research reports and case studies. As well as profiles of leading industry figures.
You will also find articles covering recent developments, and predicting future trends in your industry.
Internet Sources
Websites containing free sources of industry statistics, information and contacts.
Federation of Sports and Play Associations
A UK federation of 28 associations and groups involved in sports retailing, manufacturing and management. The site provides news, features and links to specific organisations including Fitness Products Association, Independent Sports Retailers Association, Golf Facilities Trade Association and Sports and Fitness Equipment Association.
FIFA
Official website of the Federation Internationale De Football Association, the international governing body for association football. Includes rankings, statistics, regulations and news.
Football Association
Official website of the Football Association, the governing body for association football in the United Kingdom. Includes news on players, fixtures and other information on British football.
English Football League
Official website of the English football league. Includes news, fixtures, results and statistics.
Golf Industry
Worldwide golf industry directory. Includes news, tour information and a worldwide course directory.
Lawn Tennis Association
LTA is the governing body of UK tennis. Website provides detailed information for players, fans, coaches and clubs.
Professional Footballers’ Association
The oldest sports players’ association, founded in 1907. Represents the interests of professional footballers.
Scottish Footballers Association
Official website of the Scottish Football Association. Includes news and information on teams, fixtures, results and regulations.
Sporting Goods Industries Association (SGIA)
Trade Association representing manufacturers, wholesalers and distributers of sporting goods in the UK. SGIA Lobbies on behalf of the industry.
Sports England
Sport England is responsible for the distribution of Lottery Funds to sport in the UK. Contains useful information sheets including countryside and water recreation, organisations producing information on health topics, participation statistics and qualifications for fitness instructors.
UEFA
Website of the Union of European Football Associations. Contains information on UEFA competitions, regulations, news and statistics.
UK Active
Major trade association for the health and fitness industry in the UK. Formally known as the Fitness Industry Association.
Please note that every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk.
Images by btsiders, Mr. Flibble, Schwarzerkater under a Creative Commons license