CHAMBER INVOLVE: MAYFLOWER 400


How to get involved with Mayflower 400


Charles Hackett (pictured), CEO of Mayflower 400, talks about how businesses can get involved with Mayflower 400


How can local Plymouth businesses get involved in the “Year of Mayflower 400”?


Charles Hackett: There are a whole host of opportunities with the Mayflower 400 year for companies to engage with different aspects of the Mayflower 400 programme during 2020. The first thing I would advise companies is to look at the website where


the events section gives an idea of what is happening in Plymouth starting with the launch this year between 28 Nov-1 Dec with the Illuminate Light Festival. Visit www.mayflower400uk.org for background on the Mayflower story,


events and other information. Further exciting moments will continue to be added to the programme


of commemoration events during the year with more detail published on the site as activities are finalised. But the key moments are already in place and September 16, 2020 will be the major public commemoration with a public event on the Hoe to mark the 400 year anniversary of the Mayflower sailing back in 1620. Having looked at the website, I would encourage a business to think


through what type of involvement or benefit they are looking for from the year. Do you want an event to engage internal stakeholders or employees or do you need an opportunity for client hospitality? Could you develop a new product or adapt one to link to the programme? Do you want to associate your brand with this key moment in the city? Some events, such as those at the Theatre Royal or The Box, after it


opens in the spring of next year, give options for companies to use the events to host clients, suppliers, customers or staff within programmes where they can use Mayflower 400 events as a meeting place, hosting opportunity or staff incentivisation programme. Preparing Plymouth to look its best for the attention it will get in 2020


gives opportunities for volunteering or place-based projects. The community, sports, schools and volunteer programmes provide opportunity for companies to visibly give back to their city.


The major events, or programme overall, give sponsorship opportunities for wide brand association.


What specific things can companies do to tie in with the official Mayflower 400 programme?


Charles Hackett: There are several options for businesses looking at getting officially involved in the Mayflower 400 activities and to support their link with this historic moment. Companies can apply for sponsorship packages at different levels for overall support and brand association with M400 or with specific events and activities. The Mayflower 400 Commercial Manager can be contacted to agree an


overall sponsorship or to tailor sponsorship to specific business needs. Simply go to the “Contact Us” section on the website and click on the commercial partnerships section. In addition, hospitality packages will be available for major events, at


which businesses may wish to entertain clients, customers or employees and, of course, businesses and their employees can take part in getting the city ready and welcoming people to Plymouth through involvement in the Mayflower Makers volunteer programme as part of their CSR activity. Content regarding the Mayflower 400 programme, for adaption and use


in external communications and social media, will be provided for partners and organisations with significant reach to offer as in-kind support and hospitality packages will be available around key events for use for client and staff activity. Of course some small companies cannot afford to budget for being part


of the official programme. I would advise that these organisations should link with The Chamber of Commerce who will be able to advise on a number of ways that specific activity can be put in place to link to the Mayflower 400 year and drive targeted activity. I would ask that when organisations find out what is going on in the


Mayflower 400 year, they share the information internally with their staff. Why not ask them what will help build key relationships or reward staff and customers – you may get some great ideas! Finally, an ask from us: This is a important year for Plymouth. Businesses, please show your commitment to the city by supporting, sponsoring and taking part.


‘Hospitality


packages will be available for major events’


Autumn 2019 Chamber Profile 21


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