The Ashes cricket series is expected to bring a timely boost to small businesses in Birmingham this week after researchers found it will bring millions of pounds of extra spending to the city.

As England and Australia continue their battle in the Third Test at Edgbaston, a study of a 1997 Ashes match at the ground by the faculty of Sport Economics at Sheffield Hallam University showed it brought an extra £2.2 million spending to Birmingham.

One local business already benefitting is city-based, Logomotif. The design and printing business has designed and produced a series of wrist bands for hospitality guests and security staff and car parking tickets for each day of the five-day test match.

It is believed the contract will add up to £20,000 to the firm’s revenues this year.

Founded 21 years ago by directors, Julie Shirley and Kate Murray, the business employs four staff and provides a range of design and printing services for clients throughout the region.

Logomotif has been working with Edgbaston Cricket Ground, only a mile from its own offices, for many years, but this is the first time it has worked on materials for the Ashes.

“The city always looks forward to holding a Test match, but the Ashes series creates an extra buzz of excitement.

“We enjoy a close working relationship with Edgbaston and it’s been great to be involved in the lead up to the game,” said Ian Shirley, managing director.

“The work we’re doing for the Ashes is in addition to our normal projects for the ground so it’s a welcome financial boost in addition to the excitement of being involved in such a big event.”

Julia Lynch-Williams, director of energy services at Ashes sponsor npower, said: “npower has been a major sponsor of English cricket for many years, and we felt that this year it was important to highlight the smaller businesses that are integral to running the Ashes.

“With all eyes on the cricket, it’s easy to forget the small businesses that are busy working behind the scenes. The pubs, shops, hotels and restaurants and those providing valuable services to the grounds all make a huge contribution to making the Ashes such a success.”

To provide further support for Logomotif, npower also conducted a free energy audit at the business’s offices, pinpointing where savings could be made on energy bills.

This identified that Logomotif is already doing some excellent work in saving energy. 

Employees switch off lights and computers when not in use and light bulbs are being replaced with energy saving equivalents as they run out, but there were still some additional measures identified.

Switching off screen savers and replacing further lighting would save £94 on annual bills.

A boiler service to keep the boiler running efficiently could save a further £114.

In total, the actions would save 10 per cent on bills and 900kg of carbon dioxide..

Ms Lynch-Williams continued: “It was good to hear that Logomotif is already doing some great work.

“We hope the audit has given them some further ideas of how they can save energy.

“It shows that a small investment in simple measures can cut costs and help the environment.”