In conjunction with the University of Brighton, FBHVC has undertaken the first assessment of the local benefits stemming from an historic vehicle event by studying the economic impact the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has on the city of Brighton and Hove. The run, which takes place annually on the first Sunday in November, finishes on the northern outskirts of Brighton, but participants drive through the city to park on the sea front where they are on view to the public.
For the study of the 2010 event, spectators along the route through Brighton and on the seafront were questioned to establish their expenditure in the city and to understand their motivation for watching. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire after the event to establish similar details and the organisers were asked about their expenditure in the city. The number of spectators was established by filming the crowds, counting and estimating.
The study showed that this one day event had a significant impact on the city, attracting over 20,000 spectators and generating £1.1 million additional spending for the local economy.
At the press conference held in Brighton during September in advance of the 2011 event, the Royal Automobile Club announced the survey results as part of their presentation. In their press release Ben Cussons, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club motoring committee, said “the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has long been established as the pinnacle of historic vehicle events in the UK, but the economic value of such an iconic showcase should not be underestimated.”
The research was led by Geoff Smith, our Vice President, who said at the press conference “We believe this economic impact study is the first of its kind to look at how an historic vehicle event brings economic and social benefits to the community where it takes place. The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is a unique event, but there are many other national and local events that take place in other towns and cities throughout the country. This exercise has highlighted the value that historic vehicle activities can bring to such locations.”
Download pdf HERE
.JPG "Which way to go?")