1921 Operational Board Meeting Briefing from 28 Jan 2016
This was the first meeting since the December floods and it lasted 2¼hrs.
1. Update from Floods:
There was an update on all of the works completed to date and the plan for phase 2. The efforts of staff were recognised, the board will formally recognise those efforts. All contractors and workmen efforts were noted and highlighted the positive relationship with Esh and that having a Project Manager means there can be a focus on the business of the football club.
Volunteers and contractors will be recognised formally. All clubs who have supported CUFC have been thanked and all businesses who have been supportive will be as well. Season Ticket Holders will be compensated, details about this will follow.
2. Sales and Marketing:
• Sponsorship agreed for the following:
o Newcastle Airport’s sponsorship of the Warwick Road End
o University of Cumbria
o Carrs Group
o Esh
o Stobart Group
• Business Interruption figures to be confirmed through lost sponsorship.
• Commercial activities for Everton match discussed.
• In stadium WI-FI is possible due to a Football League centralised deal which will roll out to clubs across the next 6-12 months
• There will be a new club website at start of 2017/18 season in line with end of current Football League Interactive deal
• Sporting Inn refurbishment has started, this will be a Sponsors Lounge.
3. External update:
• Changes to FA Governance discussed and aim to modernise it.
• Football League – JN queried some fixtures e.g. Plymouth away on a Tues night. Explained presentation FL gave on how fixtures are arranged.
• League Football Education Meeting will be attended.
4. Fans Rep:
• Fans appreciative of the work in getting football back at Brunton Park, the travel with Reay’s Coaches had been well organised. Fans have recognised the efforts of CUFC staff, particularly ticket office staff.
• Everton Ticketing discussed. Club will reflect on issues with phone line – fans were going through to an answerphone which was then got full, which is why fans were being cut off. York tickets and ticket holders were given the same priority as members to prevent the need for additional queuing, given the construction work and reduced facilities / resources at the football club. A demographic analysis of ST holders will be done.
• Sporting Inn was being used for additional hospitality packages that were in high demand, which resulted in supporters not being able to use it. A Fans Zone will be available.
• MD Role at CUFC discussed. Holding Company does not see a need for the MD role at present, this may change in the future. AJ lead the discussion and explained that current expertise on the operational board is sufficient to support SK & PK where necessary. CW explained that there is the impression that JN remains in MD role.
• Communication about investment discussed. It was considered by the majority of the board that this was Holding Company business. Communication about this will be given in good time ie when there is news about what is happening rather than news about what is not happening.
5. Any other business:
• Authur Brown, long-term volunteer, will be welcome in the Boardroom.
• Rod Stewart update: ticket sales going well. Rod Stewart has donated £10,000 to the 3 Charity Partners of CUFC.
