When Wales Rally GB roars into North Wales in a couple of weeks’ time, it brings with it not just high octane motorsport action but a multi-million pound boost to the region’s economy.
There are the obvious benefits from the Llandudno based three day event, staged from October 3 to 6, with worldwide media coverage and 100,000 spectators from as far away as Australia, Japan, and South America.
But behind the scenes there is also significant income for local businesses who supply it with goods and services.
Alun Pritchard, from Old Colwyn, who is Events Partnership Manager for the sport’s governing body in Britain, Motorsport 海角视频, says the involvement and support of North Wales businesses is vital to the rally’s success over the past seven years since it moved from Cardiff.
He said: “We’ve had some businesses that have supported us from the very beginning, such as Hannaman Material Handling, B2 Business Systems, Brenig Construction, and Hickory’s.
"They recognise the benefits of partnering with a World Championship event and I believe also enjoy the buzz surrounding it.
“There are some specialist pieces of equipment that can’t be sourced in North Wales, but we work with a number of businesses to procure our infrastructure locally as it not only helps to generate good will in the community, but can also save the event money due to reduced transport costs.
"Less mileage also helps us to maintain our Environmental Sustainability standards, which we take very seriously."
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A business which has seen its’ client base grow because of involvement with the rally, is Rhos-on-Sea based design agency, View Creative.
The company’s founder, Simon Cotton says it has led to more events being added to its’ portfolio over the past six years.
He said: “North Wales is a key tourism area, many businesses rely on this trade, and we need a variety of strong events such as this to encourage people to visit the area.
"The staycation is on the increase and good event experiences are essential in raising the area’s profile.
“A large proportion of the work we create for Wales Rally GB is produced in North Wales. We have members of the design team working exclusively to meet the event’s needs.
"We also use local translators, printers, distributors, film makers, and manufacturers. We are keen to maximise the positive economic impact this event bring into North Wales.
"We have secured contracts for other important events off the back of Wales Rally GB, one of our most recent being to supply a new website and digital marketing for Burghley Horse Trials which is another high profile international event.”
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This year, for the first time since it came to North Wales, the rally’s headquarters, and service park are moving from Deeside to Llandudno with a spectacular high speed special competitive stage on Colwyn Bay promenade on the evening of Saturday, October 5.
Colwyn Bay is designated as a Business Improvement District (BID) and Colwyn BID manager, Cheryl Williams says businesses in the town are excited at the prospect of thousands of rally fans flocking to an event which she believes could bring a significant increase in spend in the area.
She added: “The promenade is the perfect setting for this exciting new stage of the rally. Hotels and B&B bookings are filling up fast and the influx of visitors will bring thousands of pounds of extra business so it’s a positive.
"This is a huge platform for us to build on and an opportunity to capitalise on a major increase in footfall and interest around one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
"We have the support of businesses in Colwyn Bay, Mochdre, Old Colwyn and Rhos-on-Sea and look forward to what we hope will be the first of many rally stages here in the Bay.”
Hospitality businesses in Llandudno received a boost when a special stage of the rally was held in the town last year. This year - with the town hosting the rally’s headquarters and service park - competitors, support staff, and rally enthusiasts are booked into hotels and guest houses, and cafes, pubs, and restaurants are also likely to benefit.
Chairman of the Llandudno Hospitality Association Berin Jones said: “Last year saw the live stage in the town on the Sunday and several businesses reported record Sunday trade.
"Llandudno was constructed as a tourist resort and the whole economic model of the town depends on visitor numbers for it to continue to succeed.
"This sometimes means we have to be flexible and adapt our established routines to get the greatest benefit from events that come to the town.”
Conwy County Council’s events department has been instrumental in bringing the rally to the county.
“We’re thrilled to have World Rally Championship action throughout Conwy county, in forest stages, as well as on the coast, plus this year, to have manufacturers and teams based in Llandudno is very exciting,” said Conwy council Cabinet Member Louise Emery.
She added: “Considering the variety of elements involved, we have more than ever on offer for all and look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike, to another great event.
"We simply couldn’t afford to buy the worldwide media coverage that comes with Wales Rally GB, so we welcome the opportunity to highlight the county as the right environment for great events.”