Tag Archives: sport

Business, Driving, Transport

Veezu donates £1000 to Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation

VEEZU, Wolverhampton’s fastest growing private hire operator, has donated £1000 to Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation through the Funded by Veezu programme.

Funded by Veezu is an initiative in which local residents, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation is the official charity of Wolves FC and has delivered over 45 unique projects across the city in health and wellbeing, developing education and skills, and encouraging community. The Foundation supports people of all ages and abilities.

Kieron Ansell, Wolves Foundation Business Development Manager Business said: “We are really appreciative of the generous donation made by Veezu and would like to pass on the thanks of everyone at Wolves Foundation for the support.

“This funding is the only way we can deliver these wide-ranging works. In supporting us with this donation, Veezu are directly impacting our projects and helping us to make a positive difference in our local communities.”

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for Veezu, said: “The Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation does incredible work in supporting the Wolverhampton community. We are delighted to be giving back and contributing towards building better outcomes for the people of Wolverhampton.

“Working within the community is a big part of what we do at Veezu, and we want to support as many local groups and charities as we can. Funded by Veezu has already been incredibly successful in making the work of local groups and charities possible, and we look forward to making a positive impact for the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation.”

News

Former rugby stars prove a big hit at Howorth Air Technology

Rugby league players are used to making big hits on the pitch – now former stars of the sport are proving a big hit off the field, helping Howorth Air Technology stay ahead of the game on employee welfare.

Howorth’s partnership with the charity Rugby League Cares sees ex-players draw on their personal experiences and specialist training to deliver mental fitness and wellbeing workshops to the company’s employees.

The latest coaching session at Howorth under the charity’s Offload programme was delivered by Bob Beswick, whose league career saw him make 433 senior appearances for clubs including Wigan, Widnes and Leigh, as well as 25 international caps for Ireland.

Howorth director John Hale said teaming up with Rugby League Cares has proved to be a great match.

“The positive impact of the Offload sessions delivered to our teams flows through to productivity and the bottom line. The partnership with Rugby League Cares is one of the many building blocks that has enabled our business growth and employee engagement over recent years,” he said.

The partnership also sees Howorth staff hold events at its sites in Bolton and Salford to raise funds for the charity.

Rugby League Cares, founded 10 years ago, is an independent charity which supports players at the end of their careers by providing education and training grants to equip them with the skills and qualifications they need for the next stage of their lives. It also provides practical and financial support to current and former players who have poor health or are enduring hardship.

In the communities where rugby league is played, the Offload programme has helped tens of thousands of people in businesses and organisations to better manage their own mental wellbeing and support those around them.

Many Howorth staff are avid RL fans and the company has won several awards for its commitment to the development, wellbeing and engagement of its employees.

John said: “We have a proud culture of valuing and empowering our people, providing a safe and enjoyable place to work and enabling them to receive the technical and wellbeing support they need to develop in their jobs and thrive in their lives as a whole.

“We know from the positive feedback we’ve received that the Offload sessions are of real tangible benefit to the individuals taking part, their family circles and friendships.

“People feel that they help them to build resilience and coping strategies. They’ve been motivated and empowered to look after themselves from a mental fitness and wellbeing perspective, and that in turn has had a beneficial impact on the business and employee engagement.

“We have six Offload workshops each year, which are well-attended, and we provide monthly drop-in sessions as part of the programme too. We also help the charity by raising funds, and we open our doors to RL players who are looking to transition from their career as a professional athlete, to help them to understand business and the 9-5 life.”

Howorth, which has its headquarters in Farnworth, Bolton, and a facility at Raven Locks in Little Hulton, Salford, designs, manufactures and assembles ultra clean air equipment for use in operating theatres, and for the pharma, biotechnology and life science industries. The company, which turns over more than £20m a year, employs over 130 staff across its operations in the UK and the United States.

John was among the guests at a recent event at Speaker’s House in Westminster. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League, hosted the event, which was held to showcase the work of Rugby League Cares and recognise the support of its partners.

Chris Rostron, chief executive of Rugby League Cares, said: “We were delighted that Howorth were able to join us at Speaker’s House as we celebrated both the important work the charity does in rugby league communities and the vision we share with our partners for enhancing the mental fitness of those closest to us.

“Howorth’s progressive and proactive approach to mental wellbeing is reflected in the company’s continued growth, and everyone at RL Cares is proud of the part we are playing in that success. Howorth’s managing director Jim Liptrot and his team are passionate advocates for our Offload programme and we would like to thank them for championing our work so enthusiastically within the corridors of power at Westminster.”

News, Sport

125-Year-Old British Oil Duckhams Joins British GT Championship

The original British motor oil, Duckhams, is delighted to announce a new partnership with British GT, continuing its winning partnership with British driver Adam Smalley.

Adorned with the iconic blue and yellow livery, reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion Adam Smalley will make his British GT Championship debut driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for renowned British racing outfit Garage 59.

The British GT Championship is one of the UK’s most exciting motorsports championships. For over 30 years, viewers have been thrilled by the series’ multi-class format, which brings together production-based, race-tuned supercars. This year’s lineup will feature Duckhams-sponsored Smalley in his McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, alongside other incredible cars, including the Aston Martin Vantage, Lamborghini Huracan, Lotus Emira, and the Ginetta G56.

McLaren first drove to victory in British GT in 1996 in the McLaren F1 GTR. They dominated the opening weekend last year and will be looking to repeat that performance when this year’s championship kicks off with the traditional Easter Weekend races at Oulton Park. The championships then traverse through the UK’s premier circuits and the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium before culminating in a final race weekend at Brands Hatch on 28th & 29th September 2024.

Duckhams’ successful association with motorsport began in the 1950s, conquering the British Motorcycle Championship in 1955. In 1971, the company moved into Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula Ford sponsorship, which proved to be a winning move. Duckhams-sponsored Jackie Ickx won the F1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1974, and in 1975, James Hunt won the Dutch Grand Prix in a Surtees. During the 1980s and 1990s, the original British motor oil supported the Van Diemen Works Formula Ford Team and celebrated victory in 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion.

Duckhams’ involvement with the Porsche Carrera GB Cup began in 2021 with a first victory by Duckhams driver Dan Cammish, followed by Adam’s victory in 2023. Duckhams also triumphed at the OR BRIC Superbikes Championship in Thailand in 2023, continuing to earn accolades in motorsports and showcase the pioneering spirit that defines the brand.

Duckhams’ Global CMO, Rajat Moitra, said, “We are excited to be moving into the British GT Championship this year and thrilled to welcome Adam back to a new winning partnership. Adam’s championship win in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB last year underscores his exceptional talent and showcases the dedication and winning spirit that has fuelled Duckhams since 1899. Let’s continue the winning streak and add a British GT title to Duckhams’ motorsports legacy!”

News

Bridge Health & Wellbeing extends sponsorship at Christchurch Rugby Club for third successive season

Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to have renewed its sponsorship of Christchurch Rugby Club for a third consecutive year. Situated by the East Christchurch Sports & Social Club on Grange Road, the club re-launched in 2019 and welcomes rugby players of all abilities.

Opening its doors in 2019, Bridge Health & Wellbeing began providing physiotherapy services for club players, including injury support and rehabilitation. When the 2020/2021 season began, Bridge Health & Wellbeing increased its involvement with the club by becoming a key sponsor. As the club enters the 2022/2023 season, the clinic has extended its sponsorship into a third year.

Paul O’Connell, physiotherapist and co-founder of Bridge Health & Wellbeing said: “It has been great to see the rugby club develop over the past three years. Alongside the men, we now regularly see several women’s players coming in for physiotherapy and sports massage. As a family-run clinic, being part of our local community and working with the town’s rugby club is really important. We look forward to supporting them through the 2022/23 season.”

Christchurch Saxons men’s team finished last season in an impressive second place, only losing one home game. During the year, they welcomed ten new players to the club. This expansion promises an exciting lineup for the 2022/2023 season, in which the men’s team will compete in the Hampshire Merit Leagues.

Club Chair Don Lynaghan commented: “We are really proud of how the club has progressed over the past three years. The men’s team has played some excellent rugby, and the women’s side has formed, grown and flourished. It has been a great side to watch and be around, and I know there are exciting things to come from them this season. Partners like Bridge Health & Wellbeing are vital to helping players perform at their best on the pitch, and we are very grateful for their continued support.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, sports massage, rehabilitation services, Pilates and yoga classes from their state-of-the-art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. Their team of experts can help you get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in your mind and body.

Appointments, Healthcare, News, South West

Bridge Health & Wellbeing welcomes a new sports massage therapist to their growing clinical team

Family-run clinic Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to welcome experienced sports massage therapist Nathan Nobel to their team.

Trained in Bournemouth, Nathan is a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist. Having worked within clinical settings, Nathan has also gained valuable experience assisting the Reading Rockets Basketball team and the Swindon Marine Football team.

Nathan has a passion for helping people. Having had some of his own obstacles in earlier years, he is keen to prove that anything is possible. He particularly enjoys treating ankle injuries, knee injuries, and headaches.

Paul O’Connell, co-founder and physiotherapist at Bridge Health & Wellbeing, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nathan to our team. Alongside sports massage therapy, Nathan is trained in Kinesio taping and immobilisation strapping, bringing a wide range of skills to complement our existing team. With three physiotherapists, three sports massage therapists and our chiropractor Aaron, we are well-equipped to offer a comprehensive range of clinical services for health and wellbeing.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing is a friendly, family-run clinic in the heart of Christchurch in Dorset, with high quality physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, sports massage and rehabilitation services,  expert Pilates and yoga classes and state-of-the-art gym facilities all under one roof.

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, Midlands News, News, Sport

Bromwich Hardy scores with football club sponsorship

Leading Midlands independent commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy has stepped in to make sure a football club is dressed to impress for the new season.

The agency – which regularly features in league tables of the most successful firms around the country – has struck a sponsorship deal with the Coventry Alvis club.

Founding partner Tom Bromwich said the firm had agreed to sponsor the club tracksuits and leisurewear for the new season as part of its work to help a range of community and sporting organisations.

“We are delighted to be able to form a new partnership with Coventry Alvis and look forward to them enjoying a hugely successful season on the pitch.

“It’s never been more important that grass roots football has the resources to thrive and that a new generation of players has the chance to enjoy all the benefits that playing competitive sport brings.

“Clubs such as Coventry Alvis play a huge role in their communities promoting the importance of sport and we are delighted to be working with them.”

Alvis assistant manager Mark Edwards thanked Bromwich Hardy for their support.

“Sponsorship deals such as this play a vital part in ensuring clubs such as ours can thrive and we are very grateful to Tom and Bromwich Hardy for their backing. We look forward to repaying their support on the pitch this season.”

Coventry Alvis – known as the Tankmen – play in Midland League Division Two at the Alvis Sports and Social Club in the city. The club was formed in 1928 as the works team of the Alvis car and engineering company.

The deal adds to a growing list of sponsorship for Bromwich Hardy, including Coventry Rugby Club, Kenilworth Rugby, Cardiff Met Netball Club and the BMW car racing team of Alex and Guy Povey.

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit www.bromwichhardy.com

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, Midlands News, News, Sport

Bromwich Hardy in pole position with racing car sponsorship

Leading Midlands independent commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy has taken to the racetrack with a turbocharged new sponsorship deal.

The Coventry-based agency – which regularly finds itself in pole position in independent tables of the most successful agencies in the country – has teamed up with father-and-son car racing team Guy and Alex Povey.

The Poveys race in the all-action Gaz Shocks 116 Trophy – a one-make race formula dedicated to the BMW 116i which is now the country’s fastest-growing rear-wheel drive endurance series.

Each race lasts between 90 and 180 minutes with two mandatory pit stops and up to three drivers, there are also special sprint rounds and events are held at some of the country’s most famous racetracks.

Bromwich Hardy founding partner Tom Bromwich said he was delighted to be supporting the Poveys.

“Guy and Alex make a terrific team and it is wonderful to see a father and son being able to compete together at such a high standard in the same team.

“They bring to the racetrack all the qualities we value at Bromwich Hardy – teamwork, commitment to success and the need to bring through the next generation – and are a natural partner for us.”

Alex, aged 25, an automotive engineer with Bosch, said his 62-year-old dad had been racing for more than 20 years and had competed and won all over the world during his career.

“By contrast, this is only my second season racing having done a little bit of karting before when I was young. Last year we had a podium at Silverstone and some top 10 finishes and have had two outings so far this season at Croft and Oulton Park.

“At Croft we struggled in qualifying and started 17th out of 35. We eventually finished 14th after being hit from behind when a car with which Guy was battling lost its brakes.

“We had a great race at Oulton and were running eighth on the final lap – with every chance of moving up a couple of places – when a rival spun us out and into the barrier.

We have had to rebuild the front of the car after bending some suspension arms and smashing the front end.”

Alex said the Solihull-based team were now hoping for better luck throughout the remainder of the season.

“We cannot thank Bromwich Hardy enough for the help and support they have given us and it is tremendous to see such a successful company getting involved in motor racing at this level. We hope to reward their support with some great results later in the season.”

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit www.bromwichhardy.com

News, South West, Sport

Bridge Health & Wellbeing agrees new health and wellbeing partnership with Wimborne Town Football Club

Bridge Health & Wellbeing, based in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to have become a clinical partner with Wimborne Town Football Club, supporting their players with injury support and rehabilitation.

Wimborne Town plays in the Southern League Premier South. Known as ‘The Magpies’, the club has a long history, formed in 1878. It was a founder member of the Dorset County Football Association and has contested the Dorset Senior Challenge Cup Final many times with victories in 1991/92, 1996/97 and 2017-2018. Wimborne Town has also reached the Dorset League Cup Final on four occasions.

Bridge Health & Wellbeing will be providing specialist physiotherapy services, chiropractic treatments and sports massage services to players. Paul O’Connell, lead physiotherapist and co-founder of Bridge Health & Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wimborne Town Football Club. Our clinical team has a wealth of experience in professional sport so teaming up with a club like Wimborne is a great union for both parties. Footballers regularly suffer from injuries including sprained ankles, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, hamstring strains, groin strains and knee injuries. We are keen to make sure players get back to full strength as quickly as possible and are ready to give their best on the pitch for the hundreds of local fans that attend their home games.”

James Stokoe and Mark Gamble, managers at Wimborne Town Football Club, commented: “Keeping players fit is vital to our success as a club. We’re delighted to be working with the highly experienced team of physios, chiro and sports massage therapists at Bridge Health and Wellbeing to gain a swift diagnosis of injured players and effective treatment and rehab plans to get them back to full fitness as quickly as possible.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage, rehabilitation services and  Pilates and yoga classes from their state-of-the-art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. Their team of experts can help you get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in your mind and body.

News, Sport

New sponsor for Avon & Somerset Police Football Team as ActionCoach Ilminster signs sponsorship deal

Avon & Somerset Police Mens Football Team is delighted to welcome ActionCoach Ilminster as its main shirt sponsor. Run by Duncan McKechnie, the business has signed a sponsorship deal that will see its branding on the front of player shirts and other kit.

Avon & Somerset Football Club plays in the PSUK Championships and has been national runners up twice (2016 & 2019) in the last six years. The team comprises a mixture of Police Officers, Police Staff and Specials. They also play in the Emergency Services Football League (ESFL) where they face NHS, Fire, HMP and Military Teams in a regional and then national cup competition. After a successful start to the season, the team currently sits top of the South West ESFL.

DS Richard O’Brien of Bristol CID said: “We are delighted to have ActionCoach Ilminster on board as our shirt sponsor. The players really value having a local business involved in the club. The ongoing success of the team helps with the challenges of the day job following the recent unprecedented demands we have faced.”

From South Africa originally, Duncan McKechnie moved to Somerset in 2008. After a career in the South African Air Force as a helicopter pilot and instructor followed by 15 years in corporate roles, he launched his ActionCoach business in 2020. He helps business owners to take their businesses to new heights using tried and tested business coaching programmes.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Duncan said: “My wife and I moved to Somerset in 2008 and were amazed how incredibly welcoming the local community was. When I heard about the sponsorship opportunity with the Avon & Somerset Police Football team, it seemed like an ideal way to say thank you. Not just to our local community but also to the local police offers that have done so much to help keep us all safe, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a military background myself, I know just how challenging their role can be. Along with all the other emergency services, they have done a fantastic job, and I am pleased to show my appreciation by supporting the club.”

News

HURST scores with National Football Museum

The National Football Museum has appointed accounting and business advisory firm HURST to provide audit and tax services following a competitive tender.

The museum is the latest addition to a growing roster of sports, leisure and not-for-profit sector clients for HURST.

It already counts Lancashire County Cricket Club, Super League Europe, Chill Factore, the Royal Exchange Theatre Company, Manchester Art Gallery and Life Leisure among its client base in these sectors.

The HURST specialists acting for the museum include Helen Besant-Roberts and Greg Wilson of the firm’s business services team.

The National Football Museum spans seven floors of the Urbis building in Manchester city centre and includes a number of event spaces to hire.

It attracts nearly 200,000 visitors a year from around the UK and overseas, and its highlights include a Hall of Fame, trophies, exhibitions, artefacts, interactive games and an educational space for schools and other groups.

Housing the largest accredited collection of football memorabilia in the world, it holds 140,000 items, with 2,500 on display at any one time.

Its collection includes both of the balls used in the first World Cup Final in 1930, the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final and the replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy, which was made in secret by the Football Association after the original was stolen and was paraded by the England players after their victory over West Germany.

There is also a range of memorabilia from footballing legends such as George Best, Diego Maradona and Pelé, including international caps and medals, as well as the original rules of Association Football written when the FA was formed in 1863.

The Hall of Fame is supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association and celebrates the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game, on and off the pitch. Recent inductees include Terry Butcher, Paul Ince, Justin Fashanu, Carol Thomas and Walter Tull.

Helen Besant-Roberts said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with the National Football Museum. Football is of immense national cultural and historical significance and we are excited to be able to play a part in helping the museum to share everything that is great about the sport.

“Using our experience, we will support the museum in the next phase of its development, through deployment of our specialist charity accounting and tax team and our digital enablement service.”

Tim Desmond, chief executive of the National Football Museum, said: “We’re excited to move into 2022 with HURST, who align perfectly with our aims for the museum.

“They have shown a real passion for what we do, and we look forward to working together to engage an increased and wider diversity of visitors to our exhibitions and online.”