Businesses in West Bridgford are ready to make the most of Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League. The Reds achieved promotion to the Premier League on May 29 after beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 at Wembley in the Championship play-off final. They start their campaign in the top tier in August.
A report from Brighton's promotion to the Premier League found their rise five years ago brought in £212m to the city in just one year, and an expert has said the value of promotion will go "far beyond" the estimated £170m of that one-off game. A business expert also thinks if The City Ground is expanded as planned, this would help to boost the local economy.
Hospitality venue owners and managers in Nottinghamshire have previously said they expect to make more money when the season starts too. And businesses in the heart of West Bridgford town centre agree that Forest's promotion will benefit them, with one owner saying it's on them to make the most of it.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest stadium expansion would boost local economy says business expert
Peri Theodosiou, 31, owner of Forde's Coffee and Sandwich Bar, said: "I think the promotion has been a great success for the team. The atmosphere around West Bridgford and Nottingham in general has been amazing.
"There's a lot more positivity around the area, especially speaking with customers, or when you sometimes see the odd player walking around. I think it will increase the footfall as the stadium is just close by, and I think it will hopefully be positive for all the businesses around the West Bridgford area and Nottingham area.
"Whether it'll increase profits, that's down to business owners as well. If you continue to serve quality products and have a great service, the footfall will hopefully increase the trade in West Bridgford."
Jack Priestley, 24, bar manager at Hopkinson's Blue Camel Café, Bar and Vintage, said: "It will be good for local businesses but also good for the city in terms of being able to get behind a football team, even more than they already do. It was nice to see the way people celebrated after the victory that brought them up.
"When there's a game on, we get a lot busier. And I guess that will increase now with more people visiting the stadium soon. In terms of getting more recognition, I hope we do."
Sinan Catik, 42, cashier at The Blue Convenience Store, said: "As long as Forest stay in the Premier League, it's going to affect all businesses. With the big teams and clubs coming in, and their supporters coming in, there will be more money generation in a good way.
"Last year, during match days it used to get very busy. Now, it's going to be busier than normal."
There is a buzz among people in West Bridgford too. One thinks the area "will make a great name for itself".
Elena Watson, 20, a student at Nottingham Trent University who lives in West Bridgford, said: "The celebration after they were promoted left the area buzzing. I'm sure as Premier League starts and there are more matches, West Bridgford and Nottingham will make a great name for itself, and it's a nice area too."
Stephen Brecknock, 37, a warehouse worker who lives in The Meadows, said: "It's going to be good for the economy, isn't it? When there are Forest matches, there are thousands of people around here.
"When the Premier League starts, it's going to be amazing. My kids are big Forest supporters so they're more excited than I am."
READ NEXT:
- Hospitality venues will make more money because of Nottingham Forest promotion say those in industry
- Report states how much Nottingham Forest promotion could bring to city's economy
- Why Nottingham Forest stadium development could be delayed again if Reds are promoted
- Nottingham Forest promotion would go 'far beyond' £170m value of Wembley final for the city
- Click here for all the latest Nottingham Forest news from Nottinghamshire Live
