Attend the launch of Business in Sport

Attend the launch of Business in Sport: the fastest growing business network in the South West

Driven by our passion for sport

A new initiative to bring businesses in Bristol and the South West together through a shared passion for sport launches next Wednesday (June 26) at the new Village Hotel in Filton.

Business in Sport is the brainchild of David Smith, former professional footballer with Lincoln City and Bristol-based businessman – and his idea is simple. Members join the club to share business ideas and opportunities, enjoy sporting occasions and special club events together, using the excitement, energy and dynamic nature of sport as a common bond.

Sporting and business stars are booked in to speak at a number of Business in Sport events over the year. Members can hear some of the world’s greatest sports people talk about what makes them reach the top and also find out find out how sporting success can be applied to business.

Members will also be invited behind the scenes at horse racing events, have the opportunity to play golf with our local rugby stars and drive rally cars around the track at Castle Combe.

But Business in Sport seeks to be more than a simple business club. Members also give back to the community by supporting grassroots sports and up-and-coming sporting stars. Part of the membership fee is ring-fenced to fund local sports, while the club also provides businesses with opportunities to support rising stars in many sports as they look for funding to help them fulfil their sporting dreams.

“From new goal posts for a local football team to stumps and bats for a village cricket club, Business in Sport wants to promote sport and help everyone enjoy its benefits,” says founder Smith, who is passionate about ensuring real grassroots sport is better funded.

“Giving back to the community through sport helps thousands of people in the region participate in and enjoy sports – and gives our locals businesses the chance to be at the heart of something very special.”

As well as funding grassroots sport, Business in Sport supports the region’s next great sporting stars through its network of more than 600 up-and-coming athletes and sports people, which it will be introducing to members at its Rising Stars events throughout the year ahead. Members can help sponsor a youngster as he or she trains to make the next Olympic Games or World Championship in their chosen sport.

“We want business to share in the success of our brilliant sports stars of the future and be associated with that winning mentality,” says Smith.

Business in Sport is already attracting some big-name support, with snooker ace Judd Trump, Paralympic legend Jon Amos and ski star Anna Turney just some of the local names supporting the launch.

Two of Bristol’s newest businesses are also behind the new business club. Village Hotels and Metro Bank are the two main sponsors, while the Bristol Good Food Awards is also participating and hoping to ensure the city’s vibrant food businesses are all involved, too.

• The launch event takes place at the Village Hotel in Filton on Wednesday, June 26 starting with drinks and canapes at 6.30pm.

• The new Lord Mayor of Bristol Jos Clarke will open proceedings, while local sporting heroes will also be there to show off some of their achievements. Anna Turney will also be speaking. The international ski star and two-time winter Paralympian winner and Bristol University student will be talking about her battle through adversity and the vital role business has played in her and future up-and-coming athletes.

• You can register for the free event at www.businessinsport.uk

For more information about Business in Sport, please contact Sam Davis on 07867 646 959 or email sam@businessinsport.uk