Worcestershire announce profit for 2003

Things are looking up at New Road. After their promotion to Division One in Championship last season, Worcestershire have announced a pre-tax profit of £46,600 for 2003.

That was just what the doctor ordered after three years of losses, and is the result of a 5.8% increase in revenue set against a 2.2% increase in expenditure.

The most profitable areas were membership subscriptions, which rocketed to the highest number since 1996, the success of the Twenty20 Cup, and a significant improvement in the catering.

Peter Seward, the treasurer, will officially announce these figures at the AGM on February 9. "I am delighted to announce this return to profit, which reflects the growing interest by the public in county cricket during 2003 and the ability to keep expenditure under control," Seward said. "I am happy to report that the club is in a good position to meet the financial challenges ahead both on and off the field."