Simon Johnson
ARTICLES
Browse the wide range of topical and in-depth articles penned by Simon Johnson on the subjects of business development, strategy and governance in the charity sector and sports and leisure industry. This section is regularly updated, so be sure to check back for new material.
These articles are often shared on social media, and comments, reactions and thoughts are welcome. Also attached are archive articles from Simon’s previous roles, setting out the range and depth of Simon’s thought leadership.
![SJ RFL 2022 No.1](https://sjrb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SJ-RFL-2022-No.1.jpg)
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Pubs, Tax and Fairness
Some things never change. Ten years ago, I was lobbying for a reduction in consumption tax rates for pubs and restaurants, on grounds of fairness, compared to supermarkets. After the publication of JD Wetherspoon's Half [...]
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Concussion; Temporary Substitutes and Tackle Height
As Chair of Rugby League, one of the three team collision sports - the others being Football and Rugby Union, I follow closely the issue of player safety and especially head injuries. We all work [...]
The Leisure Industry can provide the foundations for an economic recovery
The Leisure Industry is like a heavyweight boxer at times, pinned to the ropes, absorbing blow after blow. Covid lockdowns, enforced closures, soaring energy costs, transport strikes, declining consumer confidence - all of these blows [...]
Come on England, England and England – The Rugby League World Cup Is Here
For the last few years, I have been a relentless champion for and advocate of the Rugby League World Cup, promoting it as the biggest, best and most inclusive tournament ever, arguing for greater coverage [...]
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Ministerial Gaffes and Media Coverage
Last week, the #RugbyLeagueWorldCup was being talked about everywhere. This was all due to the media coverage of a ministerial gaffe. The Rugby League World Cup had arranged an event at a grassroots Rugby [...]
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Rules for Transgender Athletes in Elite Sport
This week's sports business headlines talk of international sports bodies taking a "hard line" with rules on transgender athletes participating in elite sport. This is a simplistic way to describe a series of decisions taken [...]
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Gambling Reviews and Pre-Emptive Action
The Racing Industry is awaiting the White Paper on the Review of Gambling Both of the Companies, of which I am the Chair, have an interest in the Government's much delayed Review of [...]
The Leisure Business Blog: Of Top Hats, Traffic Jams and Tired Footballers
15th June 2022 I made my return to Royal Ascot yesterday. As Chair of SIS, we were hosting a Hospitality Box and welcomed many friends and partners from the Racing and Greyhound industries. There is [...]
How the Rugby Football League Helps Level Up the Country
The aftermath of the failed and disastrous European Super League proposals has shone a light on the great disconnect between football fans and the owners of the sport’s most prestigious clubs. I lamented, in a [...]