James Mason

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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💡 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 week and next TheBusinessDesk.com in the North West will be previewing the start of the new 2024/25 football season with a guide to the financial strengths and weaknesses of the region’s professional clubs. ⚽ Starting tomorrow with analysis of the three Lancashire clubs in the EFL Championship, Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Burnley Football Club and Preston North End FC, we will then look at the five regional clubs in League One on Wednesday, the seven in League Two on Thursday, and then on Friday a special focus on the ambitions of some ambitious clubs further down the pyramid eyeing up new stadiums and potential promotion bids to the EFL (English Football League).   ⚽ Next week we will look at each of the North West’s Premier League giants, all of whom have been in a whirlwind of either takeover speculation or legal wrangling. ⚽ We have already been contacted by fans of clubs in the region with insights and intelligence (and unfounded rumours) about investment and takeover activity. Please get in touch if you have more local knowledge that you are happy to share. ⚽ The stakes are high this season as Sky is paying £187m a year for the rights to screen more than 1000 games across the three EFL divisions, earning each Championship club an additional £2m in income and £400,000 for League One and £200,000 for League Two clubs. 💷 EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said he hoped the exposure would have the knock-on effect of new and better sponsorship activities. 🎰 Many clubs are dependent on income from gambling companies, but the televising of games also could have an effect on match ticket sales with fans opting to stay at home and watch their team rather than attending in person. Thanks very much.

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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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James Thacker’s journey teaches us that setbacks are just detours to new paths. Switching from rugby to the gaming industry shows the variety of life that’s out there! In any field, waiting around won't cut it, get out there and grab those chances! 💼💡 What lessons have you learned from facing setbacks and chasing your passions? Enjoy the full episode now - link below! 👇🏾

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How do you go from Non - League U18s football to Non - League first team football?🤔👇⚽️ I tell you below the steps you should be taking… https://lnkd.in/eiP6pX7X

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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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⭐️Continuous Improvement⭐️ Learn how the same approach Jim Gavin is applying to the GAA FRC can help you in your coaching / managing journey be that in business or sport Online workshop Dates: TBC Register your interest 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/euT9VVW2

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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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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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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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Really enjoying the Connectd course after finishing the SmartNED and Understanding boardroom finance modules (1 more to go). It's a refreshing insight into some alternative and suggested strategies to supporting both start-ups and established companies.

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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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𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 🗞️ | Referee Russ raises the flag for clubfoot awareness! For clubfoot awareness month, Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA referee appointment officer, Russ Lagden, is aiming to show young people with clubfoot that the condition doesn’t have to stop them from pursuing a sporting passion. He is heading down to Chelsea FC’s training ground on Saturday 8th June to officiate at a national clubfoot football event. The event, which is held annually, raises awareness of clubfoot and money for two charities: Global Clubfoot Initiative and STEPS Charity Worldwide. Russ, who was born with clubfoot, is currently a referee in the County FA’s Pan-Disability league but has been refereeing and coaching football for nearly twenty years. He got involved in mainstream football firstly as a coach at Middlewood Rovers and then went on to become a referee due to a shortage of referees. He said: “I had a season ticket for Spurs back then, but when Middlewood Rovers put me through the referee course, I just thought I might as well get paid to referee rather than pay to watch. “I started refereeing youth football and I enjoyed it so much I moved into adult football. I have officiated in local leagues, and even got the chance to referee in the FA Women’s National league. “I was recently asked to officiate in the Pan-disability league and I fell in love with it. It’s for people that want to play in an environment where other people understand each other’s conditions.” Clubfoot, or talipes, is the most prevalent birth defect. Globally, 200,000 babies are born with the congenital condition each year – that’s around one every three minutes. It happens because the Achilles tendon is too short, resulting in one or both feet turning inward and downward. Without treatment, everyday tasks such as walking, standing and running can be a significant challenge. But Russ says it’s never affected his ability to play football. “The severity is different for everyone that has clubfoot. I have different-sized feet and leg lengths. This means I have a limp but it doesn’t stop me from running or refereeing.” This will be Russ’ first time refereeing at the World Clubfoot Day at Chelsea FC’s training ground. He hopes he can continue to raise awareness of the condition and is encouraging everybody involved in football to create an inclusive game for all. He added: “Nearly one in five people in the UK have some form of disability, so even in mainstream football you’re likely to be playing with or against a disabled person. “Just be kind, have empathy and always welcoming. The game is for all and we can all play a key role in ensuring everybody has a great experience when playing the beautiful game.” Read Russ' full story here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/esJS2ztm

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It was a pleasure to build nationalleaguetv.com for all the teams in The National League this season. Congratulations to Bromley Football Club joining already-promoted Chesterfield Football Club in the EFL next season. If your club has ambitions to promote your digital fan experience, whatever your sport, we're here to help you all the way. Need help with data and insights 📈 to better understand your fans? Looking for a premium website 💻 and app 📱 powered by one efficient CMS? Thinking of mobile ticketing 🎫 or native in-app retail 🛒? Want to tie everything together with sophisticated segmented and personalised marketing 📨? Realising your digital potential can feel daunting; knowing where to start, implementing a strategy, ensuring you have all the pieces in place. We're here for you. #digital #fanexperience #fanengagement #strategy #marketing

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Please see our article on HMRC's new guidance on dual representation contracts between football clubs, agents and football players and the tax impact on them. If you would like to discuss this please do not hesitate to contact me or your DWF contact. #dwf #uk #tax #hmrc #dwfsport #contracts #sport #football

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As the EFL Championship reaches its climax, lets look at the 4 contenders and their MCO links SOUTHAMPTON * Southampton FC is 100% owned by Sport Republic * Sport Republic is a London based sports investment firm founded by Rasmus Ankersen, Henrik Kraft & Dragan Šolak, a Serbian Billionaire * 20% was owned by Katharina Liebherrher although her shares were diluted into the club 2022. * Dragan Solak took out a £110m loan in Dec 2021 to help buy Southampton. * The loan was provided by Luxembourg-registered company Summer Invest Sarl which is owned by Solak. * Solak has injected £63m into the club. * Dragan is worth £1.6bn, made his money from ‘The United Group’ a telecommunication and cable operator which serves eight countries. * Purchased 70% Goztepe S.K - Turkish Super Liga 2022. * Valenciennes FC - Ligue 2 - Majority holding 2023 LEICESTER CITY * The King Power International Group own Leicester City FC * After Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha death in 2018 the shareholding was split amongst family members. 55% Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, 10% each to Voramas, Apichet & Aroonroong and 15% to Aimon * The King Power Int Group Purchased a 92% stake in OH Leuven in 2017. * OHL were formed in 2002 by a merger between three clubs: Zwarte Duivels Oud-Heverlee, Stade Leuven and Daring Club Leuven * Chairman: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. * 2017 Established "King Power Racing Team” a UK based horse racing team with 40+ horses that generated £5m in prize money 2023. LEEDS UNITED * Leeds United Football Club Limited is 100% owned by 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC, a subsidiary of San Francisco 49ers. * The San Francisco 49ers are owned by Denise DeBartolo York and John York Denise and John York also own 90% of the 49ers Enterprises Group * The 49ers Enterprises investment group is worth $4.75bn * A number of minority investors have joined 49ers Enterprises,  * PGA golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Player Larry Nance, Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers & TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. IPSWICH TOWN * Ipswich Town Football Club Company Ltd 50% Gamechanger 20 Ltd 40% Bright Path Sports Partners 5% Three Lions Fund 5% Marcus Evans Group * ORG Az manages funds for PSPRS (the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System). PSPRS is an American Pension fund acting on behalf of service men/women. * 2024 GC20 Ltd sold 40% to Bright Path Sports Partners for £105m * Gamechanger 20 (GC20) Ltd is the UK holding company for ORG. Remaining 10% is split 5% ME Group & 5% Three Lions Fund Three Lions * Three Lions are founding partners of American USL team Phoenix Rising FC, Didier Drogba has the controlling stake. Bright Path Sports Partners * Bright Path Sports Partners co founders Jake Zahnow and Sam Simon * Sam Simon, the founder of Simon Group Holdings and Simon Sports.  * Simon sports has stakes in USA West Coast Hockey and Canadian team Halifax Moosehead’s #Multiclubownership #footballbusiness

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Lots to learn from this report; will clubs use "the power of the badge" to enhance social cohesion in the community or just to drive marketing goals? The best clubs do both! Stay tuned for more from The Sports Effect on how foundations do what they do, and who is doing it the best...

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