Vibrant business network to be provided
Building on its half century of local business links, Carlisle United has launched an exciting Business Club to inspire and encourage collaboration and partnerships among local companies.
The exciting new concept will see the club provide a vibrant business network with powerful connections and dedicated events to develop opportunities and create added value for members – all within the unique match-day environment.
The club has enjoyed a number of strong business partnerships over the years and last week celebrated the 19th year of its successful shirt sponsorship with Stobart – the longest running throughout the Football League.
Carlisle United already engages with over 50 local companies who use the Brunton Park facilities for brand awareness and match-day opportunities for corporate hospitality. However, recognising the greater networking opportunities on offer, the Business Club will aim to bring companies together via a platform of organised events and functions.
Members will have the opportunity to attend five match-day meetings with business presenters, corporate lunch and full match experience. Additionally, three breakfast meetings will have a more corporate feel with high-quality guest speakers, presentations and organised networking – all with the aim of giving members a competitive edge with regards to building local business partnerships.
The Business Club, headed by Carlisle United commercial director Dick Young, has already found backing from local founding member companies H&H Group, System People and Baines Wilson.
A launch meeting for businesses interested in becoming members of the club will be held at 6pm on Thursday 1 August at Carlisle United’s Foxys Restaurant.
Dick Young, commercial director at Carlisle United, said: “We realise the strength behind the many local companies already involved with Carlisle United and the opportunity to create a powerful network with a solid structure to inspire business collaboration was one we all agreed would deliver value. The club has a long and enviable history of working closely with corporate partners, demonstrated by our record shirt sponsorship with Stobart, and the organised events will elevate this to a whole new level.”
Robin Brown, chairman of System People, said: “The Business Club is an exciting new concept which will help further engage Carlisle United with the local business community for the mutual benefit of both. It will help bring local business people and the club together through the business meetings and I believe the group will have a significant business voice – helping to lobby local government and influence the local agenda. The networking facility at each meeting will help give members a competitive edge, facilitate new business opportunities and see companies working more closely together to generate growth.”
Brian Richardson, chief executive of H&H Group, said: “H&H has a long association of supporting Carlisle United with many staff supporters of the club, and it’s such a key part of the local community. Whilst cash is very tight in all businesses at the moment, we have continued with sponsorship of the club which has allowed many staff and customers to attend matches. The launch of the Business Club is a great idea, allowing many networking opportunities through the meetings as well as the focus on supporting the club. Even if, like me, you are not a lifelong supporter of the club, I see many benefits for our business both commercially and with our staff supporters.”
John Wilson, managing partner at commercial law firm Baines Wilson LLP, said: “As a long-term supporter of Carlisle United, Baines Wilson is happy to be a founding sponsor and member of the new Business Club. The concept should result in a potent business forum with meetings providing members with the opportunity to work together, generate connections and stimulate commercial partnerships – and at the same time benefit the football club.”
Follow the Carlisle United Business Club on twitter @CUBusinessClub.
