Barney Harrison

Fhitting Room has closed 3 clubs, citing “aggressive third-party” booking companies - with ClassPass being the main player in this category Very sad to see this as Fhitting Room was one of my favourite New York brands 😞 Their Flatiron club scored five stars in The Fit Guide's evaluation process and we had some great conversations with the team there Like us, they were enthusiastic and excited about the fitness industry learning from hospitality Their team even recommended Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara which became one of my fav business reads! Conditions have certainly been tough in New York... The city got absolutely battered during closures Landlords were notoriously tough And our friends on the ground have said that some New Yorkers' habits had permanently shifted Fhitting Room keeps its Upper West Side studio, so do check them out if you're in New York! 💪🏼 This presents an important question... As the industry evolves, what role is ClassPass playing in the industry? Is their presence, along with other third-party booking companies such as Wellhub, having a positive or negative effect on the industry and your business? I did a podcast on this a while ago. As the industry evolves and shifts, it's a crucial conversation to keep having. Source: Athletech News #thefitguide #fhittingroom #classpass #fitnessindustry #newyork

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I am always surprised by the amounts businesses pay for marketing and advertising... and sponsorship or advertising with a football club has never been a consideration! Even a club like ours, we can deliver an audience in the millions for what is on paper a very small investment! Sport is often either not thought about when choosing a method or too expensive, as it is only the the "big" clubs who can deliver the audience required! We have a video on TikTok which gained over 3million views! #devonbusiness #exeter #exeterbusiness #northdevon #business #football #entertainment #hospitality #digitalmarketing #marketing #socialmedia #branding #advertisingandmarketing

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Our Chairman Nick Hawker explaining how Fan Engagement is so key to what we do! It is also how we have been named number 1 when compared with all 92 league clubs! 🏆⚽️ Working with Exeter City Football Club in any capacity is a great way to promote your brand/business whilst also contributing to a genuine community cause... 👍 With a social media audience over 500,000 and the new Sky Sports deal our exposure is huge! 💪 #devonbusiness #exeter #exeterbusiness #northdevon #business #football #entertainment #hospitality #digitalmarketing #marketing #socialmedia #branding #advertisingandmarketing

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TEAMcard and Silverstone Circuit agree new expanded venue-wide partnership Silverstone Circuit, the home of British motorsport and host venue to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix has renewed with TEAMcard in an expanded agreement that will cover access control, accreditation, visitor management and verification services for the entire 155-acre site. Silverstone partnered with TEAMcard for venue access control in 2021, setting the foundations for a successful partnership that saw two record-breaking summers for racing fans entering the circuit. Matthew Evans, Business Systems Manager at Silverstone, said: "Working with TEAMcard has been a real game-changer for us. We have a whole host of different events that take place across the year attracting all sizes of crowds, from domestic race meetings to major events like Silverstone Festival, MotoGP and Formula 1. Regardless of the event size, the TEAMcard access control solution works seamlessly every time – we know we can really trust it." Now moving towards a third year in partnership, Silverstone have expanded their relationship with TEAMcard by activating the use of additional modules in the TEAMcard product stack – Accreditation, Visitor Management and Verification. These new modules will allow Silverstone to organise, manage and record the movements of every person arriving at the circuit, 365 days a year from a single system. Mike McEachern, Head of IT at Silverstone, said: "Working closely with everyone at TEAMcard has allowed us to better understand the wider product stack, and how their other solutions could work alongside access control to benefit our whole business. Stacking other modules like accreditation, visitor management and verification is allowing us to streamline more processes, collect better data and create better customer experiences across the board." For the full story, go to: https://lnkd.in/ervmHCmi #accesscontrol #accreditation #eventindustry #eventsindustry #eventmanagement #formula1 #f1 #sportbiz #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #Silverstone Daniel Huson Lee Howkins James Holifield Stephane Bazire Ben Phillips Robert Byrne Victor Leitch Josh Whittaker-Vyse Jean-Francoys Brousseau #sportsvenuebusiness #sportsvenuebiz #svblive Sports Venue Business SVB LIVE Cassandra Calleja

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Ahead of Matthew's run to every Premier League stadium we wanted to highlight why he, you, and local businesses, are coming together for Mission 135. Mission 135's goal is to raise £405,000 across Club 135, Network 135, and Team 135. Of course, the money is incredibly important in maintaining our suicide prevention and bereavement support services, but it's more than just a fundraising campaign. It's about people. It's about the 135. On average, every death by suicide affects 135 people. That equates to more than 760,000 people last year in the UK alone. We believe the best way to support the 135 is by preventing the 1 from taking their life. That's our goal. That's our mission. So thank you for every mile, every cake baked, and every profit shared. Together we can, and will, save lives, support communities, and prevent suicide. Join our mission: https://lnkd.in/eTS8UHqr #Mission135 #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness

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As you probably noticed, it was May Day yesterday...and The Gambling Commission’s quarterly data drop has landed. It may not be the news that sets Morris dancers to their merry jigs around the Maypole, but one of the stats in particular really stood out for me. Players in the UK racked up an astonishing 9.5 million hour-long online slots sessions in the first three months of 2024. That’s over 570 million minutes of gameplay - equivalent to 17,000x James Milner's Premier League career minutes - and that doesn't even include the more casual games! Let’s face it, slots aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (just like Morris dancing!), but this dedication by a passionate bunch of players shows why studios and operators (like our friends at IGT PlayDigital) invest so much to constantly evolve and move with the times. Next time you bet online, why not explore the games section? You might be surprised by the innovation and creativity driving this powerhouse of the gambling world. It certainly inspires the Chips team. #igamingmarketing #slots #mayday

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Hands up, who had this on their bingo card for the week - How WWE and their marketing strategies can help golf clubs market themselves going forward. WWE’s marketing strategies are unique and highly effective, and there are several ways these strategies could be adapted to benefit golf clubs, especially in the UK. Let's take a deeper dive into how WWE’s approach can be translated into the world of golf: 1. Storytelling and Character Development WWE’s success is largely built on its ability to tell captivating stories and develop engaging characters. Each wrestler has a backstory, personality, and ongoing narrative that keeps fans invested. Application to Golf Clubs: Member Spotlights: Highlight the personal stories of club members and staff. Share their journeys, achievements, and unique experiences through interviews and feature articles. 2. Creating Spectacle and Memorable Moments WWE events are more than just matches; they are full-scale entertainment spectacles with dramatic entrances, music, and pyrotechnics. Application to Golf Clubs: Themed Events: Host themed tournaments and events that offer more than just golf. Incorporate entertainment elements such as live music, food festivals, and family-friendly activities. 3. Fan Engagement and Interaction WWE excels at engaging with its fans through social media, live events, and interactive content. Application to Golf Clubs: Social Media Presence: Increase social media activity by posting regular updates, live-streaming events, and encouraging members to share their experiences online. 4. Merchandising and Branding WWE generates significant revenue through merchandise sales, with fans proudly wearing branded apparel and accessories. Application to Golf Clubs: Branded Merchandise: Develop a line of branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and equipment. This not only generates revenue but also builds a sense of community and loyalty among members. 5. Leveraging Multiple Platforms WWE uses a variety of platforms to reach its audience, from TV broadcasts to online streaming and social media. Application to Golf Clubs: Content Creation: Produce a variety of content, such as instructional videos, member spotlights, and club history documentaries. Share this content across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. 6. Building and Leveraging Brand Loyalty WWE has an incredibly loyal fanbase, built through consistent engagement and emotional connections. Application to Golf Clubs: Community Building: Foster a strong sense of community through regular communication, member events, and opportunities for members to contribute to club initiatives. The great thing about all these strategies is that they are possible and can be created by all golf clubs in the UK, this in turn will help create a more dynamic and engaging environment that appeals to a broader audience. In the process helping demystify Golf to people, thereby making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Grim Warning from NTIA: Is This the End of UK Clubs? The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has just issued a stark warning: UK Clubs could vanish by 31.12.29. With 37% of clubs gone since March 2020—3 clubs per week— 150 Clubs per year - if this trend continues, we’re facing the Last Night Out before nightclubs disappear from our culture forever. Clubs like Fabric, Ministry of Sound and SubClub are more than venues—they’re cultural landmarks that foster creativity, community, and the heartbeat of our cities. The NTIA has launched #TheLastNightOut campaign to fight back, calling for government intervention to save our nightlife. Without urgent action, we risk losing a vital part of our identity and economy. Sign the petition or write to your local MP, support the cause, and let’s ensure 31.12.29 isn't the end... https://buff.ly/4dUs2WG #SaveOurNightlife #CulturalHeritage #LastNightOut #NightclubCulture

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Padel is growing and we have a realistic ambition to lead its growth in the UK. There are two strands to our model: 1 - Outdoor canopied sites enjoy lower costs. Rent is dramatically lower, and even after adjusting for the cost of adding canopies our 'all in' annual cost is low enough to give us a significant profit advantage over 'indoor' courts. 2 - Good coaching ensures that new players get the bug. Almost everyone who gets on a padel court has fun. But to get players hooked it is critical to invest in the support to turn an enthusiastic newbie into a regular player. Our investment in outstanding coaching allows us to build a stronger business. We have a model that works and a pipeline that is ready to build out. Come and join us on Crowdcube as we accelerate on our journey. Crowdcube Jacob Symes Daniel Sparkes Jessica Windsor Carson Russell

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It is challenging to single out ticketing in these instances. The emotional purchase over staples such as travel and hotels gets more scrutiny. That being said, there are a finite number of tickets for every game or show. Pricing is not an exact science. Underprice and reselling become valuable. Refrain from allowing resale; the show will sell out, and no tickets will be available. When no tickets are available, it creates another customer issue citing unfairness. The other underlying issue is that Ticketmaster is simply a software the promoter uses to price accordingly. In the end, there is no perfect solution to popular shows with limited inventory.

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💡 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀. 👉 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. Here, we’re all about creating spaces where those connections happen naturally, whether it's over coffee at a Big Breakfast event, in a buzzing hospitality lounge, or during an unforgettable matchday. The key? Shared experiences that spark genuine conversations and long-term partnerships. Forget awkward introductions and start connecting with people who align with your goals. Who’s in? 💬 Let’s talk!

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This is an iconic deal in the landscape of English cricket and possibly world cricket. GMR Group and Hampshire County Cricket Club and its assets, currently owned by Rod Bransgrove, have agreed to an aquistion! Rod has been such a huge contributor to the game in the UK. I personally think this deal will be the catalyst to opening the gates to further Indian investment into English cricket (not new news) which points towards a bigger holistic future of players being centrally contracted by franchises (not countries). There will be mixed views on this deal and the the future of state of world cricket. https://lnkd.in/gFKvGPsN

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(S)painful Decision to be made? Following defeat in the European Championships 2024 Final to Spain last night, Gareth Southgate gave a pitch side interview to ITV’s Gabriele Marcotti where he said the following: "I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they've got now. The age of the squad, you know, most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well so, um, you know, there's a lot to look forward to but you know, that’s not, you know, at this moment, is not any consolation." Linguistic analysis can be applied to any aspect of life. What someone doesn’t say can often be more important than what someone does say. In this interview, notably absent is the pronoun, ‘we,’ which indicates unity and cooperation. Gareth Southgate had two key opportunities in which he linguistically distanced himself from this, once where he thinks ‘England’ are in a good place and secondly where he references the experiences ‘they’ve’ had. Conversely, the only commitment we see from the England Manager is via the pronoun ‘I’ in respect to that which he, ‘thinks.’    The shortest answer is the best combined with commitment.   Linguistically for now it appears that Gareth Southgate’s distancing from the squad has taken him a step closer towards the door. #England #FootballAssociation #EuropeanChampionships2024 #EnglandManager #GarethSouthgate

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If you're into the big business behind Formula One, you'll want to tune into this! In addition to swooning over our favourite F1 livery era, we look into the brands that partner with the sport and the complexities big companies face when operating in Formula One. Link below to the full episode with 2 partnership pros!

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Swipe across to learn more about the modules we will be covering in this interactive 3 session course. Email [email protected] to apply. 

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Most iGaming leaders chase success. But Entain's MD finds fulfilment somewhere unexpected. In our heartfelt, eye-opening interview, Rob Duthie revealed why he has fascinated over a single quote for many years: "Happiness, fulfillment, and engagement is found in the struggle of everything we do, every day." And it's so true. Because when we avoid challenges: ❌ Problems grow bigger ❌ Fear grows stronger ❌ Life feels empty But when we run towards them, we find: ✅ Happiness in problems solved ✅ Fulfillment in our daily progress ✅ Engagement in the journey itself The best leaders know: • Obstacles can become stepping stones • Setback provide opporties for perspective • Growth only happens outside our comfort zone So ask yourself: What challenge are you avoiding today? You next breakthough might be hiding just behind it. Ready to embrace your next challenge? P.S. Catch my full conversation with Rob on "The iGaming Leader" podcast launching November 20th.

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What do you think about Gambling advertising linked to sports? Shocking to see the levels of adverts during football games and the increase from 2023-24. Should there be tighter regulation in this area? How do we educate people better in the risks? Where is the signposting for support? Surely the advertising companies know we are in a cost of living crisis? Let me know your thoughts Ryan B. Lucy Wallington Mark Humphrey https://lnkd.in/ephjzFsD

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Keith Prowse launches BEYOND THE GAME Keith Prowse, one of the UK’s award-winning hospitality industry leaders, has launched fresh insights into how lifestyle trends and generational dynamics are reframing premium experiences at UK sport and entertainment events.  The research paper – BEYOND THE GAME – analysed corporate and private clients to understand their motivations in attending a premium experience at sport, entertainment, and lifestyle occasions. With a positive outlook on corporate marketing spends* and disposable income more likely to be spent on experiences rather than material goods, BEYOND THE GAME highlights clear generational differences nuanced by social circles, the culture and heritage of the event, as well as its values and conscientious stance, that are ultimately impacting purchasing and attendance decisions. Samantha Coates, Head of Marketing, Keith Prowse, said: "Analysis of purchasing data revealed shifting trends, prompting us to delve deeper into the factors influencing consumer choices. Research conducted highlighted a significant impact from generational attitudes. Society is moving away from valuing material possessions as a measure of success, and instead placing greater emphasis on personal fulfilment and experiences. This trend presents valuable insights for corporate businesses, who face an increasingly diverse workforce across generations. In response, we’ll be rolling out new concepts designed to address this evolving landscape." * Source: The IPA Bellwether report, April 2024. For the full story, including a link to the BEYOND THE GAME research paper, go to: https://lnkd.in/ejtPxZJK Nick Gratwick Daniela Forsyth James Speed Neil MacLaurin Neil Thornton The 2024 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – focused on elevating and innovating the live experience – is being held at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on October 9th and 10th, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on October 8th. Key pillars include architecture & design, fan experience, F&B, hospitality, interiors & fit-out, premium sales & service, sustainability, technology and venue commercialisation. #premiumhospitality #premiumexperience #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalityindustry #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #liveentertainment #sportsvenuebusiness #sportsvenuebiz #svblive Sports Venue Business The Sports Networker Cassandra Calleja John Sheehan David Hall

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Red Bull is investing into Leeds United FC... The company isn't just becoming a sponsor of Leeds United, but also an equity owner of the team. Most business relationships between companies and sports teams are transactional. A company makes the decision to become a multi-year sponsor, but the activation of that partnership might begin and end with just throwing a company logo on a team's jersey. But not with Red Bull. As one of the world's most innovative companies in marketing and content, Red Bull also owns several football teams and sports properties. Teams like the New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg, and Formula 1's Red Bull Racing make up a growing sports entertainment conglomerate owned by an energy drink brand. Investing in Leeds United is Red Bull's first move into English football. Leeds narrowly missed out on getting promoted to the Premier League but are still poised to lead the second division Championship league next season. New money from Red Bull helps give Leeds more firepower and a decent chance at future promotion to the Premier League makes this a good investment for Red Bull. Overall, this adds yet another competitive streak within English football clubs. https://lnkd.in/e3qeR_HG #redbull #soccer #football #sports #sportsbusiness #sponsorship

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