Devon County Cricket Club Finance Director’s Report 2022

With a glorious summer behind us I am happy to report a successful season for the county was achieved, although one day results were disappointing, Devon CCC responded extremely well in the three-day format winning three out of four games and therefore achieving promotion for the forthcoming season to the first tier. Considering the young age of the side this was no mean achievement and credit should go to those directly involved with organising, coaching and managing the team. 

With regard to the overall financial position  Devon CCC continues to be in a satisfactory state.

From the accounts it can be seen that our  positive balance as between- Income / Expenditure on our current account came in at £8,038.94 

It is of importance to note that the grant we receive from ECB to run annual Devon CCC and Lions’ operation is insufficient to cover all our running costs. However, e.g.  members’ subscriptions, the annual Tolchards’ grants, the donations from three dedicated Lions’ sponsors, mentioned below, all help to keep Devon in small surplus.

In addition, the generous help we receive from small advertisers in the Annual Brochure enables us to publish a print run of 1500 free of charge.

The re-establishment last season of the Devon Lions which previously had existed since 2011 is now an ECB requirement for all National Counties.  We support the programme along with similar sponsorship funding from three key benefactors.  Sincere thanks to M5 Sports Management Group, the David Shepherd Trust and Mr Michael Cunliffe for their generosity in supporting this project.  Their donations together with our financial input have provided a fund of up to £8000 pa. 2021-2 and it is hoped to raise a similar sum in 2022-3.

INCOME

Subscriptions and Vice-Presidents: 

As the season developed, I managed with the assistance of Rachel Tozer to put together a definitive list of all Vice Presidents and members and I am pleased to report that numbers are now base lined and this can be reflected on and reviewed as we endeavour to increase membership, Nigel Mountford has kindly offered his assistance and that means we can get a clear and concise message to all.

Donations

In 2022 we received a very welcome donation of £500 from M5 Sports that helped us purchase some safe guarding for our bowling machine, ensuring our coaches are kept safe, as always Devon County Cricket Club will never compromise on safety.  The same body also funded the top-quality cricket bat that was presented to Jessica Vereker, the most significant contributor to the Devon U18 team which won the Royal London Cup in 2022

Catering and Teas: 

We continue to be indebted to the excellent work that our individual club caterers provide.  Club provision of food continues to be a tricky endeavour since the Covid pandemic but as always, they have risen to the occasion. This expenditure continues to be one of our highest. 

Clothing and Club Kit: 

The decision to engage Wes Fowler of Devon County Sports to be our new supplier of Cricket Kit and Clothing, has proved to be a very fruitful one with Wes and his team always up for a challenge, and very proud to be supporting the County. 

Adverts/Sponsorships: 

I would like to recognise the efforts of David Thorneley, Colin Wright and Terry Mohan and team for the incredible job they did in producing an excellent brochure.  It should be remembered that this brochure has always been put together to raise the profile of the County and not to make a profit. The challenge for 2023 will be a tough, but I have every confidence in the dynamic trio to come up trumps again.

VARIOUS EXPENDITURES

Umpires Fees: Fees of £300 were paid to our umpires for our friendly games

Membership/Subscription fees: DCB/DACO Affiliation paid.  £145

Match Balls: a small quantity of balls is purchased for training purposes 2022.  - £252. Most of the balls used come through the UBC

Travel: Travel costs were reviewed at committee and a 25% increase was awarded for players mileage rates; this continues to keep Devon CCC in line with most National Counties. Travel is our largest single item of expenditure.

Proposals:

In view of the amount of kit and sportswear held by numerous members of the committee, it would seem prudent to try and find a lock up for various items including the gazebo and the sound system as well as some kit .

My sincere thanks to Ruskin Wilson (Thomson & Jenner) our Scrutineer of the Accounts, whose responsibilities this year will include DCCC accounts and the Lions accounts 

Roger Wensley, Finance Director, Devon County Cricket Club
8th January 2023