Live comedy in UK has become serious business worth £1bn a year, study claims

Researchers say standups' contribution is unsung, and hope findings will help to bolster the industry's credibility

The live comedy industry in the UK contributes more than 1bn to the economy every year, according to a study by Brunel University London.

In the first project of its kind, researchers calculated the industry's annual value at 1bn, based on an estimated 3,000 workers in the sector, surveying more than 350 comedians, promoters, producers, venue managers and agents.