Members and supporters helped minimise losses at Sussex Cricket as the response to the coronavirus pandemic led to a £2 million drop in revenues.
Sussex Cricket Limited – which runs Sussex County Cricket Club and the Sussex Cricket Board – also reported receiving grants worth £574,000.
The result was a £26,000 operating loss in the year to the end of last October compared with an operating profit of £408,000 the year before.
Many businesses and organisations use their pre-tax profit or loss as a benchmark. Sussex Cricket recorded a pre-tax loss of £495,000, compared with a £77,000 loss in 2019.
Bob Warren, who chairs the board, said in the annual report: “I think it is fair to say that the 2020 season was unlike any other in our history
“It was clear at the time of the last year’s AGM (annual general meeting) that we would facing potential problems.
“But I don’t think anyone realised the impact that covid-19 would have on our normal lives and in particular sport.
“As an organisation we were faced with potentially no income for the foreseeable future. We were not alone. All 17 of our fellow counties were in the same boat.
“The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) is often criticised. However, as soon as the dire financial situation became fully apparent, the ECB confirmed to all counties that the distribution of funds expected in 2020 would be maintained.”
Mr Warren also showed appreciation for the “amazing gestures” from sponsors and members, adding: “We were also helped by many of our members who contributed by donating their subscription and many of our sponsors also helped by either delaying or extending their contracts.”
Sussex Cricket held its AGM online on Tuesday evening (30 March) when members were also reminded that playing and non-playing staff had taken temporary cuts to their pay. Some staff were furloughed.
At the AGM, Mr Warren was re-elected as chair and Sir Rod Aldridge was re-elected as president for 2021-22.
Two new vice-presidents were elected, Christopher Bidwell and Amanda Bridson.
Mr Warren added: “The last year has been a major test for the organisation, the players and the staff.
“However, all have come through relatively unscathed thanks to the collective and selfless contribution that makes Sussex such a special club.
“I would like to thank our members and partners for being part of that. I am proud of how we have come together during this extremely challenging time and am looking forward to a much more productive year, both on and off the pitch.”
