WHILE it is often argued that we should not mix business with pleasure, we need to recognise in a vibrant county like Somerset that one person's pleasure (or leisure) is another person's business.

As a sports and music fan, recent events such as the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Wimbledon Championships and the iconic Glastonbury Festival have made me consider what effect sport, music and recreational events have on the Somerset business community and the general economy of the county.

In June, Rod Stewart performed at the County Ground to a sell-out crowd of some 18,000 people from across not just Somerset but the entire UK.

This event was in support of St Margaret's Hospice and raised a six-figure sum to help keep this valuable asset thriving, bringing additional value to Somerset both in terms of profile and finance.

It is well documented that Glastonbury Festival contributes around £35million to the local economy (2007 impact study) from providing local businesses with the opportunity to trade both on and off site.

This includes local community groups such as Tor Rugby Club, which sells Mexican cuisine for the entire week, with additional investment going to numerous community groups who provide volunteer stewards in exchange for financial support.

Meanwhile the Tour of Wessex Cyclosportive this year attracted over 2,000 cyclists and their families to Somerton for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

This three-day events relies on local B&Bs and guest houses, restaurants, shops and garages to provide services to the visitors, thereby leaving a robust financial footprint in the county.

Couple this with the tourism promotion and the charity contribution of circa £10,000 through the food stall and it is clear that this niche event makes a real positive impact.

Other pastimes such as fishing, equestrianism, walking, climbing, water sports and country pursuits all attract visitors from far and wide who want to stay overnight (or longer) and be entertained and provided for by Somerset businesses.

Add to these examples 50 days of cricket at the County Ground, 30 home matches at Yeovil Town and 30 race meetings at Wincanton and Taunton, all attracting visitors to stay from outside the county, and it is clear that sport, music and recreational events all contribute enormously to the county’s economy.

Can you mix business with pleasure? Of course you can if your pleasure (leisure) is provided for by our businesses!