Sport The Business of Sport


Lions skipper stars at sporting charity lunch


Charity came out the winner when legendary rugby star Sam Warburton was guest of honour at the Midlands Sportsman’s Luncheon at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel organised by corporate hospitality agency Eventmasters. The occasion raised £7,256 for


rugby charity Wooden Spoon. The always high profile event


attracted a 260-strong audience and also featured former international Tim Stimpson as master of ceremonies. Warburton is the two times


British & Irish Lions captain and with 74 caps for Wales. The rugby star, given an OBE in


the New Year Honours list, told the audience that the forthcoming Six Nations tournament, which takes place this month, is “wide open”. He said that all of the competing


teams except Italy were in with a chance of claiming the honours and added that although England would be the favourites, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and France would all in the frame. He said: “Being wide open makes


it exciting. There are five teams with a genuine chance of coming out on top.” The event’s beneficiary, Wood Spoon, funds around 70 projects


Nice try (from left): Tim Stimpson, Denise Sheasby and Sam Warburton


each year that support disadvantaged and disabled children, from sensory rooms, specialist playgrounds and sports activity areas to respite, medical and community care. Since its foundation in 1983, it has distributed in excess of £24m, helping over one million young people. Eventmasters’ Denise Sheasby


said: “Another superb Midlands Sportsman’s Festive Luncheon at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel.


Thanks to everyone involved, in particular our guest of honour Sam Warburton, who got a standing ovation from guests in attendance before he had said a word. “Delighted to see that he was


recognised in the New Year’s honours list. With our foundation raising a record figure for Wooden Spoon of £7,256, it really was a great afternoon. Thanks again to everyone for their generous support. Already looking forward to 2018.”


Payment system is just the ticket


Aston Villa have become the first football club in the world to integrate pre-paid contactless and chip and pin payment technology into its season and member cards. The new technology will enable


fans to use their Aston Villa season/member cards in the same way as any pre-paid payment card, including contactless payments up to £30, with fans earning Pride Rewards points at a ratio of one point for every pound spent. Fans will be able to use their


cards to enter the stadium, and at all Villa Park payment terminals, including concourses, the Ticket Office and the Aston Villa Store. In addition, the card will enable


fans to shop, both at the online Aston Villa store and on the high street, with affiliate retailers who will be announced in due course.


introducing the integrated payment capability, Aston Villa will be able to build a more detailed and personalised understanding of each season ticket holder. Luke Organ, Villa’s chief


Villa Park Only cash loaded on to the card


can be used and transactions will work in exactly the same way as a payment card. Pride Rewards accounts are accessed from either a log-in on the Aston Villa website or via the official Aston Villa app and are fully integrated into Fan IDs. Traditionally season and member


cards have been restricted to stadium access and online members benefits but, by


commercial officer, said: “Once points have been earned, cardholders will be able to redeem their points against a variety of merchandise and offers in the Pride Rewards area of the Villa app, with rewards on offer including apparel, hotel stays, signed and personalised merchandise and exclusive matchday entertainment.” The technology behind the card


is being provided by FortressGB, one of the world’s leading providers of loyalty, payment and access solutions to the sports and entertainment industry. The card is issued by Wirecard Solutions Ltd.


Partnership is extended


The British Paralympic Association (BPA) has extended its partnership with Mondelez International, home of popular brands such as Cadbury, belVita and Trebor. Mondelez has been a long-


term supporter of ParalympicsGB, initially supporting the Paralympic movement through The Cadbury Foundation funded ParalympicsGB ‘Sports Fest’ – a series of free events giving people the chance to try a wide range of Para sports. The extension of the


partnership will help ensure ParalympicsGB can send the best-prepared team of athletes to compete at Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 while continuing to focus on its vision to 'Through sport, inspire a better world for disabled people'. Sam Ingram, multi-medal-


winning Judo Paralympic athlete from Birmingham, said: “I am really pleased that Mondelez International has continued its support of ParalympicsGB through until Tokyo. As one of their athlete ambassadors in 2016, I know first-hand just how much their support matters and it is fantastic they have committed to the next cycle.” Tim Hollingsworth, chief


executive of the British Paralympic Association, said: “I am delighted to be extending our partnership with Mondelez International through to Tokyo 2020. “Paralympic sport is more


popular than ever in the UK and the extension of this partnership is further proof of the strength of the movement and what it can demonstrate to wider society. We look forward very much to working with Mondelez over the coming years.” Mike Taylor, managing


director UK of Mondelez International, said: “Our colleagues are very passionate about this partnership, raising tens of thousands of pounds during the last Games cycle, so they are excited to get behind ParalympicsGB once again over the next four years.”


February 2018 CHAMBERLINK 65


Sector Focus


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76