Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) members have expressed "cautious optimism" but predict little growth until 2013, according to a survey undertaken by the organisation.

The strategic body, which represents the private sector within the sport and leisure industry, questioned more than 50 organisation as part of its research.

Findings from the survey were announced by chief executive Dominic Harrison at the 2011 BISL Conference, which was held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London last week.

One of the key points to emerge from the research was that businesses still feel that there is too much red tape, while access to funding also continues to be an issue for the sector.

According to the research, 97 per cent of respondents said employment legislation impacted upon business "a little more" or "far more" than it did five years ago.

Details: www.bisl.org

Image: John Rahim