The 2023 Annual Supporters Meeting was held at The County Ground on the 16th August 2023, providing a number of key presentations from across the club.
Topics of conversation covered:
- Financial Report for year ending 31st January 2023
- An update on the redevelopment of player changing areas
- Introduction to the Steelbacks Foundation and its vision
- Steelbacks in the Community and recreational game update
- Professional cricket report
The club are proud to have announced an operating profit for the last financial year, having come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The achievement of an operating profit in the financial year ending 31st January 2023, should be seen as a Commercial achievement for Northamptonshire Cricket Club.” Chief Executive Ray Payne said.
“A full post pandemic year has seen trading to return to, what we can I think describe as normal. The club has seen a strong return to season tickets, match day tickets, commercial sponsorship and a buoyant catering and events business.
“It has been a challenge with the rising cost of living affecting cricket, as all other walks of life.”
The past year has seen the completion of a £1m redesign and development of the players and official’s area. A new environment designed to reflect the changing requirements for cricketers and officials in the game, with a focus on accessible and gender neutral facilities. This major development at the ground was ready on time for the 2023 season and completed on budget.
This development aligns with one of the club’s key focuses in making cricket in Northamptonshire accessible and welcoming to all. NCCC has implemented a 12-point action plan set by the ECB and has actively engaged with local communities, listening to feedback around how the club can create a more inclusive environment for cricket supporters and players. The club has recently appointed a Safeguarding Officer, a new non-executive Director with responsibility for safeguarding and an EDI Officer.
Away from the professional game, the club’s partnership with the Shared Learning Trust, resulting in the Luton Steelbacks Cricket Academy, has proved successful and the first-year intake has now completed the programme. With assistance from Luton Council and the ECB, plans are in hand to build an indoor lane facility. A similar venture, in partnership with the Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough, is planned for this year.