Club Mirror

Celebr ating 55 y ear s

This month we ’ re flinging ourselves into celebration mode as Club Mirror marks it’s 55th year of publication. It has been our honour to represent and serve clubs across these years, and long may we continue to do so!

In this Birthday issue we roll back the years and flashback through the decades, highlighting what Club Mirror was reporting on, all in the context of national and global events. It’s a fascinating read and we hope you enjoy the journey.

On the topic of journeys will you be joining us in Leicester for November’s 2023 Club Awards and Gala Dinner?

In this issue you’ll find out how to enter the Awards – and why you should! – plus snapshots of what you can expect when you get there. Make sure that your club, your officers and your club supporters get the recognition they deserve with a warm Club Awards welcome! It’s a wonderful get together and an unmissable opportunity to network and relax in the company of fellow clubs. Turn to pages 27-39 or hop onto clubawards co uk where you’ll find full details, along with an online entry form.

On the topic of get togethers, CIU clubs will be getting ready to travel to Blackpool for the 31st Beer & Trades Exhibition where they’ll be engaging with club-supporting suppliers as they work continuously to keep building club business.

Building business is of course essential to all clubs, so do take a look at HQ Building the Business in this issue (pages 42-43) where you can explore how you could be saving money and streamlining club activities.

Finally, congratulations to all you savvy clubs out there. And make sure you enter the 2023 Club Awards!

Caroline Scoular Editor, Club Mirror

C ONTENT S

11 Club Mir r or at 55

Rolling back the years – reflecting on over half a century of serving the club industry.

CL UB AWARDS 2023

27 Club Awar ds 2023

It’s time to shine! Have you entered yet?

34 100 Club

Calling all clubs. Reaching your centenary this year? Then let us know and you could be joining us for a night of celebration

38 Clubs in t he spo tlight

Profiling three award-winning clubs

HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS

42 Fr ee ser vice for clubs

Take advantage of our free business-building service

4 4 Making t he mos t of midweek matches

BT Sport research highlights the value of midweek football action.

46 Spor ts f ixtur es

Coming up in the coming weeks

ASK THE EXPER T S

49 Secur ing sponsorship satisfaction

The value of sponsorships to clubs is immense. Top tips on making the relationship works for all parties

51 Successful planning

A short, sharp audit exercise to make sure the club is still covering all bases

NEW S, VIEW S AND EVENT S

5 Club news

A whirlwind tour of clubs – and all by social media

52 Blackpool beckons

Show guide of the CIU Trade Show & Exhibition.

Club news

Club Mirror t akes a whir lwind t our of clubs ar ound t he countr y in t he fas t es t way possible – b y social media.

That was t he year t hat was

1968

Club Mirror is born. In the same year the new Gaming Act is introduced. Massive sums are being spent on telling the nation that ‘A Double Diamond works wonders’, and that the Watney’s ‘Red Revolution’ has arrived. Meanwhile, the winds of democracy blow throughout Czechoslovakia in the ‘Prague Spring’ Dr Martin Luther King is assassinated in April, and Robert F Kennedy in June A Christmas Eve greeting from space comes from Apollo 8 Space Mission, December 24

1969

Captain Morgan Rum makes its advertising debut in Club Mirror with ‘Had any Yo-Ho-Ho lately?’, and Teacher’s appears with its ‘Teacher’s does wonderful things to water’ campaign. The maiden flight of Concorde takes place, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet takes to the air and the Open University is launched Richard Nixon becomes president of the United States and man sets foot on the moon Golda Meir becomes prime minister of Israel and Yasser Arafat president of the new Palestine Liberation Organisation

1970

Beer enthusiasts form the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Anwar Sadat is elected president of the United Arab Republic (Egypt) and President Nixon sends combat units into Cambodia. ABC shows The Partridge Family – hello David Cassidy.

Biafran War ends when the Biafran surrenders to Nigeria, Boeing 747 makes its maiden voyage and Muammar Gaddafi takes over rule of Libya

Microprocessors reach Britain and Clive Sinclair then creates the first pocket calculator

First appearing in 1968, Club Mirror has published its way through decades of world history. Here, we take a whirlwind tour through just some of the major milestones in clubland, as well as key events in the UK and across the World in general. Enjoy!

1971

Smirnoff tells Club Mirror and the world, ‘I thought the Kama Sutra was an Indian Restaurant until I discovered Smirnoff’ The Eagles, Supertramp and Queen form The British House of Commons ends a 14-year debate and allows the United Kingdom to join the European Common Market Internment without trial sees Belfast and Derry erupt Two soldiers and 21 civilians die in three days of street battles Flares are in

1972

Pre-cursor of the current Rising Stars regular, Club Mirror’s Photo Call feature discovers an up-andcoming duo Cannon & Ball. Led Zeppelin’s classic, Stairway to Heaven, hits the airwaves and in the US the Coca-Cola Bottling Company recalls three million cans of Coke because some of the aluminum lids are found to be contaminated

1973

Squires London Dry Gin claims to be the ‘fastest growing leading brand of gin’, while J&B Rare is launched on the club market Pink Floyd releases Dark Side of the Moon, The Exorcist hits the screens, Juan Peron, president of Argentina from 1946 to 1955, is again elected to that post and the Watergate scandal hits the headlines. The three-day week in the UK affects most workers while to save fuel, a general speed limit of 50 mph is introduced and television broadcasts end at 10 30pm Concorde slashes Atlantic flight time

1974

The Good Beer Guide plans to advise its readers to avoid Watney’s ales ‘like the plague’, but tones this down at the last minute Paper Lace’s Billy Don’t Be A Hero, David Essex, and John Denver’s Annie’s Song are all in the charts. Patty Hearst, daughter of multimillionaire publisher Randolph Hearst, is abducted. Weeks later Hearst is seen helping her captors rob a San Francisco bank. Golda Meir resigns as premier of Israel, Valery Giscard d’Estaing is elected president of France, and, faced with impeachment over the Watergate affair, President Nixon resigns Muhammad Ali knocks out George Forman and regains his heavyweight title

1975

Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood and John and Christine McVie are joined by new members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Angola gains its independence from Portugal. Margaret Thatcher is the first woman elected to lead Britain’s Conservative Party and Egypt reopens the Suez Canal after eight years The first Cricket World Cup is played in England in 1975 The West Indies beats Australia by 17 runs in the Lord’s final

1976

Rocky, All The President’s Men, Marathon Man and The Omen hit the big screen Gymnast Nadia Comaneci of Romania is the darling of the Summer Olympics, while military spending in the world skyrockets to $300 billion a year. Racial violence in black townships outside Johannesburg, South Africa, is the worst in 15 years. The raid on Entebbe; Israeli special forces storm a hijacked airliner in Uganda and rescue all but one of 104 hostages UK Prime minister Harold Wilson shocks the country by resigning and successor James Callaghan faces a plummeting pound and soaring trade deficit

1977

The new lotteries act allows clubs to run lotteries while London’s Penthouse Club boasts the biggest fruit machine in the land. Fleetwood Mac’s album Rumours is released, ready to stay on the album charts for three and a half years. Leo Sayer, KC and the Sunshine Band and ABBA’s Dancing Queen make the charts An oil well shoots out of control in the North Sea, creating a slick 45 miles long and 30 miles wide

1978

Croxley Green Community Association opens its doors having persuaded village residents to part with £1 per brick to build premises. Evita opens. Paul McCartney signs a $20 million recording contract with Columbia Records, Saturday Night Fever hits town and Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols is arrested in New York, charged with murdering girlfriend Nancy Spungen The Vatican has a tough time, with three popes in one year, following the untimely deaths of Paul VI followed by John Paul I The College of Cardinals amazes the world by choosing a nonItalian, Cardinal Karol Wojtola of Poland, who

becomes John Paul II. The world’s first test tube baby is born in Britain, Liverpool Cathedral is completed after 74 years in the making and the country’s first nudist beach opens at Brighton

1979

There are 3,025 licensed clubs listed in Scotland, reports Club Mirror The 1979 general election brings the country’s first woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, to power General Samoza resigns as president of Nicaragua, and the Sandinistas succeed to power, Mother Teresa accepts the Nobel Peace Prize and in December, Soviet forces invade Afghanistan. 1980

Club Mirror launches its free reader legal service, and seven pages of new clubs are listed A report on the 1980 National Club Show shows Brian Rix and Moira Anderson help to raise £6,000 for Mencap Police

obtain power to enter clubs without warrant. The first wave of privatisation hits – notably of British Airways – and the IRA revive the hunger strike at the Maze prison John Lennon is shot to death in New York and Andrei Sakhorov is exiled to Gorky Gang of Four including Mao’s wife go on trial in Beijing Workers seize shipyards in Gdansk Polish court recognises Solidarity as umbrella union

1981

Beer sales are down a staggering 21%, attributed to Sir Geoffrey Howe raising duty Bob Monkhouse is Club Mirror’s Comedian of the Year. Club of the Year for Special Achievement is the Lakeside Country Club, Surrey, cigarettes go up by 4p per pack of 20 and tea is the nation’s favourite drink according to a Water Research Council survey – 37% tea, 13% alcoholic, 12% coffee Heavy increases in gaming machine duty are imposed by Sir Geoffrey Howe as part of a package to recover revenues lost by the reduction in diesel road fuel duty Charles and Diana marry and John McEnroe wins his first Wimbledon

1982

The standard of entries are so high for the Club Mirror Awards that 14 Certificates of Merit are issued that year The Young Ones shock the old ones on TV, while ET phones home Culture Club hits the big time, and Ra Ra skirts and leg warmers are all the rage

Argentina invades the Falklands and Britain recaptures them – 255 British and 1,000 Argentinians die Israel returns Sinai to Egypt A mysterious disease is reported that kills 40% of its victims – AIDS

1983

100 names are put forward for Club Mirror’s DJ of the Year Awards. The rate burden on clubs grows and the pace of growth is slackening. New sick pay arrangements introduced by the Government cause problems for clubs Consumption of keg beers grows and sales of bottled beer is on the increase Margaret Thatcher wins the general election and controversially puts the DeLorean Motor Company into

1984

receivership The Hitler Diaries are exposed as fraudulent and Korean Air Lines 007 is shot down by a Soviet Missile.

1984

Striptease acts at Jolly’s Night Club, Caergwrle, near Wrexham, are complained about by 105 local petitioners The Miners’ Strike begins following successful strikes in ‘72 and ‘74 Arthur Scargill becomes a familiar figure as leader of the National Union of Mineworkers The Grand Hotel in Brighton is blasted by an IRA bomb during the year ’ s Conservative party conference, taking five lives

1985

Sam Fox gets her big break, appearing on the front cover of Club Mirror! Posing on a ladder, she is tipped to climb to the top. The miners go back to their jobs, in most cases doomed to early redundancy Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia raise millions of pounds for famine aid in Africa Soviet Leader Chernenko dies and Mikhail Gorbachev, 54, takes over In Columbia a volcano erupts killing 25,000

Barbie Dolls surpass in number the American population, and Sylvester Stallone hits the screens with Rambo.

1986

Michael Barrymore is named Comedian of the Year in the Club Mirror Awards He holds this accolade two years running Is it because of this he goes on to host Strike it Lucky the following year, his first TV break? A nuclear accident at Chernobyl endangers the USSR and Europe Challenger explodes 30 seconds after lift-off, and Panamanian army chief Manual Noriega is accused of drug dealing

1987

A £600,000 cabaret club is planned for the Isle of Sheppey and heavy increases in gaming machine duty are imposed. Margaret Thatcher is elected for a third term

Oliver North takes the fifth amendment in the Contra Investigation, and 338 of 452 accused are convicted in the famous Mafia trial, Polermo, Italy Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire die

1988

The Clay Lane Club in Doncaster hits the headlines when Oliver Reed is laid across a pool table and shaved after calling members ‘northern working class pigs’. Club vice president Tony Lindley tells Club Mirror ‘it was just a bit of fun!’. White label, Whitbread’s low alcohol bitter, is launched on draught Edwina Currie resigns after saying that most eggs in Britain are infected by salmonella In Pakistan Benazir Bhutto is elected prime minister and Salman Rushie publishes The Satanic Verses, to be condemned to death by the Ayatollah Khomeini An earthquake in Armenia kills at least 25,000 people, spurring an international aid effort

1989

Real ale fans are set for the offensive in a bid to protect cask beer from the gravity threat of nitro keg bitters. A survey shows that seven out of 10 clubs now have cable or satellite TV, the highest proportion ever Europe is transformed Mikhail Gorbachev relaxes his grip on Soviet Party rule and nationalist and reformist fervour sweeps through Russia, Poland and Hungary

In Prague, Havel changes from prisoner to president, while in East Germany, Erich Honecker is deposed. On November 9, the German Democratic Republic announces that all citizens are free to travel; the Berlin Wall tumbles Bloody battles in Romania and dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu and his wife are tried and executed In China, students join the clamour for change, but demonstrations in Tiananmen Square are suppressed

1990

John Major succeeds Maggie Thatcher and leading anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela is freed from prison in South Africa after 27 years. Boris Yeltsin is elected President of the Russian Federation and the first Moscow McDonald’s opens. Hot pants and mini skirts are back, tent dresses and pant suits are in.

1991

The Gulf War explodes onto our television screens. Terry Anderson, the last US Hostage in Lebanon is released, Slovenia and Croatia declare Independence from Yugoslavia, Elizabeth Taylor marries her eighth husband, Larry Fortensky, and after 13 seasons soap Dallas ends with JR apparently shooting himself (the original assailant was revealed ten years earlier!)

1992

Club Mirror magazine is now £3 25 and incorporates Club Secretary. Mr S. Ferris is classified ad manager and the Manager of the Month competition is now a regular in the magazine. Black Wednesday’s stock market crisis forces the UK out of the ERM, and Miss

Flowers

1993

Labour MP Eric Illsley calls for a complete ban on alcohol for drivers, John Smith’s Bitter sponsors the Great Britain Rugby League Team and Famous Grouse sponsors the Scottish Rugby Union Budweiser launches the UK Budweiser Basketball League Linford Christie takes the 100 metres gold at the World Athletics Championship

1994

Club Mirror’s market report shows that the number one drinks in clubland are Diamond White for cider, Bell’s for whisky, Bacardi for white spirit, Holsten for bottled beer, Carling Black Label for draught lager, Worthington Best for draught bitter and Guinness for stout Tetley’s Smooth Keg is launched Barbara Windsor joins EastEnders, Ab Fab is a must and Britpop and Prozac hit the headlines

1995

Club Mirror runs a Carling competition to win a video of Carling ads, including ‘Sunrise’ – beating the Germans to the sunloungers. A Sun Readers’ poll shows that ‘I bet he drinks...’ is the second most famous catchphrase in the English language after ‘To be or not to be’ Eleven die in a cult nerve gas attack in a Japanese subway, and Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols are arrested for the Oklahoma bombing, O J Simpson is acquitted of murder and the US space shuttle docks with Russian space station Mir

alleges an affair with presidential candidate Bill Clinton. Andre Agassi wins Wimbledon and Mike Tyson is sentenced to six years for rape.

1996

A row rages over alcoholic lemonades and Scottish Courage links up with the Institute of Bar Management in a bid to improve training across the club trade Clubs around the country watch Euro ‘96 to the tune of Three Lions, courtesy of The Lightning Seeds and football-mad comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner Clinton remains US President, a lone gunman in Scotland stuns the country when he murders 16 children, and ‘Mad Cow Disease’ forces the destruction of over 1 million cows Princess Diana gets £26 million in her divorce settlement, but loses the title ‘Royal Highness’, and Michael Jackson marries LA nurse Debbie Rowe, six months pregnant.

1997

Operators lobby for deregulation of the casino industry, hoping that it can follow in the profitable footsteps of bingo clubs Men Behaving Badly are still behaving badly, while Ally McBeal and the Teletubbies find TV stardom Pol Pot surrenders in Cambodia and the Sojourner vehicle roams Mars sending pictures back to earth The world mourns the death of Mother Teresa, 87, and of Princess Diana who dies in a car crash in Paris Dolly the cloned sheep hits the headlines, and Mike Tyson bites off the ear of Evander Holyfield in a title fight.

1998

Suits you Sir ads for Holsten Pils hit the screen, and as part of its Pure Entertainment campaign it also sponsors a tour of the Manic Street Preachers Barcrest previews Costa Del Cash, Tessa Jowell (health minister) makes her strongest hint yet that she intends to act to curb smoking in all public places, including clubs Clinton denies sexual relations with 21-yearold intern Monica Lewinsky, and Exxon and Mobil prepare to merge

1999

NATO forces led by Britain and the United States begin air attacks on Serbia. BBC TV presenter Jill Dando is shot dead and a nail bomb explodes in a Soho pub There’s a total eclipse of the sun over Britain and Ali G makes his TV debut Victoria and David become Mrs and Mr Beckham, Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones marry, as do Zoe Ball and Fat

Boy Slim Radio 1 refuses to play Cliff Richard’s Millennium Prayer, while the country enjoys the Millennium celebrations. The Phantom Menace, The Sixth Sense, Toy Story 2 and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me are top earners for the film world.

2000

Des O’Connor hosts the Club Mirror Awards at the Celtic Manor Ken Livingstone, the independent candidate and maverick MP expelled from Labour, is chosen as London’s first elected mayor and the Conservatives take control of 16 councils, winning 592 seats

2001

Tom O’Connor is a huge hit at the Club Mirror Awards. Ariel Sharon is elected as Israeli prime minister and the world is stunned by the sight of the World Trade Centre’s twin towers crashing down For the first time ever, the UK has more people aged over 60 than under 16, while square melons are an interesting contribution to the culinary world from

Japan 2002

Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie host the Club Mirror Awards at the Wintergardens, Blackpool. The industry awaits the final draft of the guidance notes for licensing reform and the timetable for implementation A devastating year for Palestinians and Israelis, weapons inspectors return to Baghdad and Zimbabwe’s economy is on the brink of collapse Britain and the United States advise their citizens to consider leaving India, because of the threat of war with Pakistan The World Cup takes place in South Korean capital, Seoul Robbie Williams signs £80m deal and around 400,000 people from across the UK march through central London to highlight the needs of rural communities.

2003

Club Mirror is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing and publishing director is Sean Ferris (who first worked on the magazine in 1992) Smoking bans, ID cards and deregulation of gaming hit the

headlines again and just the belief that you are drinking alcohol can lead to poor judgement and impaired memory, say psychologists. The Hutton Inquiry shocks the nation, and it’s goodbye to Alistair Campbell and Concorde The European Union says it will impose diplomatic sanctions against Cuba over its human rights record Saudi Arabia promises to do “whatever it takes” to uphold security after the Riyadh suicide bombings Thailand’s interior ministry says the death toll from a crackdown on drugs has reached 993 in 24 days The invasion of Iraq is followed by unrest and a hunt for Saddam, who is caught in the last month of the year Bob Monkhouse sadly loses his battle against cancer on 29th December England win the Rugby World Cup

2004

In February 2004 Club Mirror HQ is launched, Club Mirror and the RMA join forces to host the UK conference for Club Managers and soft drinks on-trade value sales break the £2 billion barrier for the first time, with major player Britvic Soft Drinks contributing a 20% growth over the last year Carlsberg-Tetley raises its prices for ales and lagers by an average of 4 9% CCE withdraws all stocks of its Dasani bottled water following health scares Elsewhere Britvic signs a new bottling agreement with Pepsi and continues as PepsiCo’s exclusive bottling partner in the UK, manufacturing, distributing and jointly promoting Pepsi

2003

and 7UP. Carslberg changes its name from Carlsberg-Tetley to Carlsberg UK and Sebastopol Social Club, Sebastopol Cwmbran, is named Britain’s Best Real Ale Club in the prestigious CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) ‘Club of the Year’ competition Club Mirror reports that credit cards and debit cards are expected to overtake cash as the favoured way to pay for goods The findings of the Hutton report are published The CIA admits that there was no evidence of weapons of mass destruction before the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the Republic of Ireland begins its smoking ban Tony Blair is hit by a purple flower bomb in the House of Commons Saddam Hussein’s trial begins A tsunami hits Thailand on Boxing Day, dominating the nationals

2005

The minimum wage rises to at least £5 per hour and Guinness signs a deal worth £20 million to become sponsor of the rugby premiership, ending seven years of sponsorship from insurance company Zurich

Keri Farish from Maryport, Cumbria, beats over 20,000 contestants to become the champion of the UK’s largest independent karaoke competition, sponsored by Mediatheme, manufacturer of Entertainer Pro, and Fuller’s Brewery launches cask beer ‘Discovery’ New Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt hints at an all-out smoking ban, according to the national press and Sport England’s Clubmark

scheme, which aimed to raise standards in UK sports clubs records 1,000 fully accredited clubs across 20 different sports. Camilla Parker Bowls and Prince Charles are married. Four bombs hit the London transport system killing hundreds and Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, damaging land and killing hundreds

2006

Club Mirror reports that according to the European Union, clubs with both male and female members must ensure that women enjoy the same status and entitlements as men by 2007 or face prosecution The introduction of Identity Cards (ID Cards) is bought a step closer and reports from the BBC suggest that the government may rise the legal age for buying tobacco in the UK from 16 to 18 years of age. Liverpool City Council becomes the first local authority in the country to allow under 18s to lie about their age in test purchases of alcohol Tuesday 14 February 2006 was an historic day for the club industry, when MPs voted in favour of banning smoking in all enclosed public spaces, a decision to change clubland forever

Elsewhere brewing giant Scottish Courage changed its name to Scottish & Newcastle UK and MP for St Helens South, Shaun Woodward, was appointed Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism, with responsibility for licensing A new industry scheme following on from Club Mirror’s

‘Plan for the Ban’ called ‘Fresh Air, Fresh Thinking’ is given room to breath with help from clean air initiative, AIR The smoking ban comes into force in Scotland The 2006 FIFA World Cup begins in Germany and Saddam Hussein is executed in Baghdad

2007

Guinness launches, on trial bases only, Guinness Red, a new variant which uses lighter roasted barley and Club Mirror begins its coverage on the looming smoking ban, set to start July 1. The Connaught Bingo Club, Herne Bay, Kent celebrates its 40th Birthday and Britain’s oldest employee, Buster Martin, celebrates his 101st birthday with his own brew Alan Johnson, a BBC journalist is taken hostage while reporting in Gaza City The smoking ban hits the UK clubs Tony Blair resigns as British Prime

Minister, leaving his position to Gordon Brown Mike Reid, host of the 2006 Club Awards, sadly dies unexpectedly from a heart attack

2008

John Smith's unveils its 2008 No Nonsense Racing programme, Manchester is named the friendliest city in the UK and Tony Jacklin swings to victory at The Open, Royal Lytham. Golf clubs benefit from the media spotlight.

Towards the end of the year fears surround the UK banking system. Lehman Brothers bank files for bankruptcy in the US and in the UK HBOS enters into merger talks with Lloyds to prevent its collapse Interest rates are cut to the lowest for 57 years, bank shares continue to fall and US stocks slide to a five year low UK banks receive a £37bn bailout

Elsewhere, Kosovo's prime minister Hashim Thaci

declares independence from Serbia to mixed international reaction and Radovan Karadzic, Bosnian Serb president during in the 1990s, is charged with genocide.

2009

Club Mirror goes online and Clare Balding wows an appreciative audience at the Club Awards Drinks companies are busy, J2O re-launches and Carlsberg UK announces a £7m marketing investment in San Miguel

Recession hits Britain as the economy shrinks at its fastest rate since the war and the MPs expenses scandal angers the country. Manchester United accepts a world record £80m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid and Michael Jackson's death shocks the world. Slovakia becomes the 16th Eurozone country, and Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the USA

2010

Steve Rider hosts the Club Awards and Club Mirror's trade events and Beer Festival prove popular with readers Amongst the many drinks brands stories are Guinness signing a series of rugby sponsorships, a well-stocked walk-in fridge hiding behind a Heineken poster (London) and the launch of the WKD Good Kebab Guide.

An earthquake in Haiti claims 230,000 lives, ash from an Icelandic volcanic suspends flights across Europe and Tony Blair gives evidence at the Iraq inquiry. Alistair Darling cuts stamp duty for first-time buyers and a Conservative-led coalition government with the Liberal Democrats is formed Club Mirror holds its first Club Associations Luncheon and Awards

2011

Club Mirror and readers lobby government to have Private Members Clubs and clubs operating under a Club Premises Certificate exempted from the proposed Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) and the Late Night Levy (LNL). John Inverdale hosts the Club Awards to great acclaim and Club Mirror brews its own beer. Newcastle Brown Ale emphasises its Geordie roots, Diageo launches a consumer drive for Smirnoff Flavours and Bulmers announces limited edition Crisp Blend

Further afield and drama unfolds across the globe with the killing of Osama bin Laden and Libyan leade r

Muammar Gaddafi. The Arab Spring sees successful protests in Tunisia and Egypt and Japan loses 16,000 people to the tsunami. Apple icon Steve Jobs dies.

2012

Club Mirror continues rallying readers when a consultation on Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) and the Late Night Levy (LNL) is issued by the Home Office Clubs must act, warns Club Mirror Chris Hollins hosts the Club Awards to great acclaim, and other crowd pullers at the same venue on the same day include the John Smith's Grand National Trophy, Club Mirror’s Ask the Experts Live and Club Mirror’s Annual Beer Festival. Clubs, suppliers and brands alike get excited about the Olympics, UEFA EURO 2012 and a spectacular summer of sport.

Elsewhere, and Vladimir Putin becomes president of Russia (for a third term), Francois Hollande defeats Nicholas Sarkozy to become president of France and Libyans go to the polls for the first time since the ousting of Colonel Gaddafi

2013

The end of the escalator tax for beer is announced, Carlsberg rolls out its first cider (Somersby), Club Mirror launches regional trade shows and George Dawson and John Tobin are returned as CIU President and Vice-President respectively for another two-year term Hazel Irvine proves toast of the town at the Club Awards and the Tetley's Challenge Cup makes its first Club Awards appearance

Credit rating agency Moody's cuts the UK's AAA rating to AA1, warning of sluggish economic growth, and Canadian Mark Carney takes over as Governor of the Bank of England. The 'Bedroom tax' causes uproar, UKIP gains 139 seats and former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher dies (87).

Also unforgettable – the horsemeat scandal, the phone hacking trial begins, the skeleton of King Richard III is discovered, Sir Alex Ferguson retires and Andy Murray wins Wimbledon

Pope Benedict XVI resigns (the first pope to do so since 1415) North Korea plans to expand its nuclear

arsenal despite UN warnings and Syria hits the headlines yet again Leaked details of the NSA surveillance programme are published and Nelson Mandela, South Africa's ex-president, dies, aged 95

The drinks industry toasts George Osborne as he cuts the price of beer and freezes duties on spirits and cider. A ban on below-cost alcohol comes into force and the popularity of electronic cigarettes is causing consternation in terms of defining them. The City of London Corporation ratifies the decision to introduce a Late Night Levy and pub closures hit 31 per week Germany beats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win football’s 20th FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro At the 143rd British Golf Open Rory McIlroy

shoots a 271 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club and Europe wins the 40th Ryder Cup

On the world stage, Human Rights Activist Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi win the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon calls for global action on climate change after warnings from scientists. The World Health Organisation estimates 1,900 people have died from the Ebola virus out of 3,500 infected in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone

Early in the year the Syrian civil war death toll reaches 130,000, with 4 million displaced The military stage a coup in Thailand (its 11th since 1932) and

the UN Security Council call for an immediate and indefinite humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The US agree to resupply arms to Israel and provides $US225 million in additional funding for Israel's Iron Dome defence

Russia formally annexes Crimea NATO suspends cooperation with Russia and The Council of Europe suspends Russia's right to vote Russian President Putin signs agreements with China in relation to trade and infrastructure

Closer to home, and Stephen Hawking claims that Artificial Intelligence could be a “threat to mankind” and spell the end of the human race The Church of England votes in favour of allowing women to become bishops and Scotland votes ‘NO’ in a referendum deciding whether or not to stay with the United Kingdom.

And on a lighter note: The Guardian newspaper calls 2014 ‘The year the people stood up ’ , Beji Caid Essebsi is sworn in as Tunisia’s first ever freely elected President, and in Copenhagen chaos erupts after the Swedish Public Employment Service mistakenly invites 61,000 people to a job interview in Stockholm

2015

Club Mirror publisher ACP launches Sports4Bars com, its first pan-hospitality electronic magazine Club Rugby magazine also joins the portfolio, dedicated to all rugby clubs and officials around the country, and ACP Club Awards’ rugby club finalists appear on BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight programme, explaining their road to success ACP is also proud to be appointed publisher of the CIU’s illustrious magazine Club Journal and becomes organiser of the Union’s annual Beer & Trade show in Blackpool

On the entertainment front, Star Wars: The Force Awakens earns a record $US 517m in global ticket sales, second only to Jurassic World’s opening weekend. Adele’s third album sells 5m copies in the US as soon as it goes on sale. Still in the US and 40% of Republicans support Donald Trump to be the party’s next nominee for presidency, according to polls Experts, however, continue to dismiss Trump’s chances

Europe is shocked when masked gunmen kill 12 people in the Paris office of satirical weekly magazine, Charlie Hebdo Boris Nemtsov, vocal critic of Vladimir Putin, is assassinated in Moscow and Germanwings Flight 9525 crashes in the French Alps killing 150 people when co-pilot, German Andreas Lubitz, deliberately crashed the plane.

2016

ACP continues to launch, with Sports Club Management and the launch of the first ever panhospitality Social Media Awards, designed to recog-

nise those who are busy using social media to engage with customers and members – from clubs and pubs to hotels and restaurants, and from sports resorts to casual dining outlets (see pages 30-31 in this issue)

ACP attends the House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group for Non-Profit Making Members’ Clubs as guests of the CIU. This Group aims to support clubs and make their collective voice heard in the corridors of power.

The UK’s Brexit vote takes many by surprise and sees Prime Minister David Cameron resign. Theresa May takes his place Jeremy Corbyn retains his leadership of the Labour Party, despite a leadership challenge Legends Prince and David Bowie die and Guns ‘ n Roses Axel Rose performs with ACDC after singer Brian Johnson withdraws because of hearing problems

Andy Murray wins Wimbledon, the Rio Olympics see the UK shine with 67 medals, and Laura Trott and Jason Kenny marry Euro 2016 see disappointment for England, Leicester wins the 2015/16 Barclays Premiership and Arnold Palmer dies – R.I.P.

The nation enjoys celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday and Rupert Murdoch marries Jerry Hall.

Apple receives an £11bn tax demand from the European Commission, the US and Russia clash over air strikes on Syria, North Korea undertakes more nuclear tests, the US Presidential elections are still underway and the immigration crisis and ISIS continue to dominate world news

2017

An interesting year with the repercussions of the Brexit vote still being much debated, 2015’s predictions that Donald Trump would never make it into the Whitehouse prove unfounded and global unrest notches up a gear as North Korea makes its nuclear stance felt

Bruce Forsyth and Paul Daniels, both one-time presenters of the Club Awards, leave the stage as do Hugh Hefner, Glen Campbell, Fats Domino and Tom Petty.

Roger Federer wins Wimbledon, England wins the Women’s World Cup Cricket and Lewis Hamilton wins his fourth world title

Latest launches from ACP see Club Football and Club Cricket join the Club Mirror stable Launched to great acclaim the electronic titles are rammed with facts, stats, previews and predictions as well as top advice on making clubs the best that they can possibly be – from membership management and groundsmanship to better business and staff management

Club Mirror’s HQ Building the Business is welcomed when it launches. The free advisory service sees clubs making savings on everything from utilities to equipment with no contracts and no obligations involved. A Racing Club is also launched with discounts negotiated for readers’ clubs and their members

The Club Awards grow out of their Manchester venue and move to Doncaster Racecourse to cope

with ever increasing numbers. The Awards and Gala Dinner continue to include a Beer Festival and Drinks Reception and welcome club stalwart John Inverdale as its host. All attendees are invited to a free day’s racing on 1 December the day after the Awards (See pages 15-17 for details )

Sister title Club Rugby continues to go from strength to strength and works with Club Mirror and BT Sport to invite clubs to join in a live broadcasting of Rugby Tonight

ACP continues to attend the House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group for Non-Profit Making Members’ Clubs and reports on CORCA meetings during the year

Club Mirror’s 50th Birthday is announced. Being celebrated in 2018, ACP plans a serious of events throughout the year, taking the party out to clubs and promoting clubland with a PR campaign.

2018

North Korea’s ceremonial head heads to South Korea, South Africa’s ANC ‘decides Zuma must go ’ , the Salisbury nerve agent attack sees world leaders condemn Russia, President Trump continues to hit the headlines, including a landmark visit to North Korea and the sacking of the US Secretary of State Physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking dies, as does author Philip Roth, 1966 World Cup footballer Ray Wilson and, from the world of music, Joe Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Charles Aznavour. In sport, Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon, England reaches the World Cup semis, Manchester City wins the 2017/2018 Premiership title and Saracens RFC win the Premiership Rugby play-off to take the crown

Meanwhile, closer to home, Club Mirror cele-

brates 50 years of serving the club sector with yearround activities – from comedy nights to brewery tours, and from racedays to BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight – culminating at the celebration of clubs and clubland at the 2018 Club Awards and Gala Dinner

Further celebration comes in the form of a brand new up-to-the-minute website providing practical advice, industry insights and fun facts, all designed to boost the club sector still further Watch out for streaming, video clips and top tips

Still on Social Media and Club Mirror, Club Cricket, Club Football, Club Rugby and Sports4Bars com practice what they preach, steaming ahead with tweeting and sharing industry information as well as re-tweeting readers’ club news. Also, watch out for a new website and twitter account for hsma.biz – our Hospitality Social Media Awards. Meanwhile, all of our electronic titles continue to hit the spot, reporting on everything from legislation and licensing, to sports events and business-building concepts

On the topic of Awards, in addition to the Club Awards (27-years strong), watch out for new big launches in 2019 – the Golf Awards and Rugby Awards Big news and hot topics Interest in the 2018 Hospitality Social Media Awards is escalating rapidly and expect to see a lot of interest from cluedup suppliers plugging into this unique pan-sector event.

The team continues to work with and across

club associations and prints its annual Associations A-Z, providing information, interviews and insights into those helping clubs to maintain and build their business

On the business building theme, HQ Building the Business speeds ahead with savings on all aspects of club business. The what’s-not-to-love no-contract, no-cost service continues to appeal to savvy clubs keen to improve their bottom line and increase efficiencies with free expert advice

The Racing Club sees record numbers of clubs heading out to the tracks for a great day out – not least to Doncaster Racecourse where Club Awards finalists and guests are welcomed to the first day of Winter racing

Out and about in the industry sees the team roaming the country on location reports –Wales, Northern Ireland, the South-West, Tyne-and-wear and Yorkshire to name but a few – while the Club Awards judges have their work cut out with a record number of entries to the 2018 Awards.

Covid hits and the world is changed. Clubs and the hospitality sector are badly hit as they shut their doors for business Clubs demonstrate their importance to their local communities, with committees and members setting up food banks, delivering food to those in need or those self-isolating Technology comes to the fore, with clubs quick to set up online activities, help lines and everything in between Elsewhere, the Amazon rainforest sees circa 73k fires, 16-year-old Swedish student Greta Thunberg addresses the UN General Assembly in regard to apathy toward climate change, Notre Dame Cathedral’s spire burns and collapses and in April the first ever photo of a black hole is captured. In America, the House of Representatives votes to impeach President Trump for obstructing congress and misusing his power, the film Joker becomes the highest grossing R-rated film of all time with $788 1m in ticket sales and Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange is arrested after the Ecuadorian Embassy ended his asylum, indicted on 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act

2020

In response to calls from clubs for latest advice and support on Covid-19, Club Mirror launches The Club Bulletin, followed swiftly by The Sports Club Bulletin, an electronic news service delivered straight to club inboxes. Simultaneously the magazine and all its sister websites focus on sharing expert advice on Covid19, from home deliveries and caring for the vulnerable, to Government guidelines, available grants and the practical facts of setting up social distancing in the clubhouse

The pandemic leads to mass postponements of events, worldwide lockdowns and the largest economic recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s Time magazine used its fifth ever Red X cover to declare 2020 ‘the worst year ever ’ Good news comes from clubs as they open for business in the summer, welcoming back members after months of lockdown.

2021

Club Mirror’s Industry Survey finds overwhelmingly positive messages, with the majority of clubs reporting that they have been making the most of enforced lockdowns spending time on refurbishments, main-

tenance and planning At the same time, clubs continue to win yet more local hearts, minds and members as they work tirelessly to help their communities Club Mirror says Happy Birthday to its friends at CAMRA as the organisation marks its 50th anniversary, founded just three years after Club Mirror came into existence

The Club Awards make a welcome celebratory return, alongside the Club Association Lunch As in 2020, the year is defined by the pandemic due to the emergence of multiple Covid-19 variants. The major global rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continues, and most major events postponed in 2020 were hosted, including the 26th

UN’s Climate Change Conference, UEFA Euro 2020, the Summer Olympics and the Paralympics. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the consort of Queen Elizabeth II dies, as does actor Christopher Plummer and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

2022

The Club Awards move to a new home in Leicester at the iconic Athena and a great time is had by all. Club Mirror’s Brands Report shows that clubs are now the UK’s Number 1 sellers of Keg Bitter and Number 2 in Draught Lager, and that club sales of Cask Bitter are on a par with the High Street Pub Channel, alongside the likes of JD Wetherspoon Social Media, websites and increased numbers of Club Bulletins and Sports Club Bulletins continue to engage readers and the club sector, while editorially it is now possible to move on from the pandemic to focus on more business-building ideas for clubs –from gaming machines and EPoS, to insurance and latest government legislation The world welcomes the removal of nearly all Covid-19 restrictions and the reopening of borders as the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines continues.

Interest rates rise to landmark levels, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II leads to international condemnations, sanctions and nuclear threats The year sees the UK in mourning with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the country’s longestserving monarch Thank you Ma’am

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Time t o shine!

It’s the 2023 Club Awards

Calling all clubs! It’s time to enter the 2023 Club Awards, the only Awards dedicated to recognising the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who work to ensure a healthy future for their clubs, their members and their communities. Could that be you? Time to find out!

Will your club be joining us at this year ’ s prestigious Club Awards in Leciester?

Have you got what it takes to take your place alongside the best clubs in the country?

The Club Awards celebrate clubs of all types and sizes from across the UK and beyond, from commmunity clubs and social clubs to high profile sports clubs, providing the perfect opportunity to meet up with fellow clubs to share ideas and initiatives while having a lot of fun along the way

As well as recognising the hard work and sparkling initiatives of clubs themselves, where would clubs be without the individuals that are at the heart of all that clubs do? In recognition of this, the Club Awards also applaud individuals, community heroes, long-serving officials and young ambassadors We will also welcome on stage officers from clubs that are proudly marking their 100th birthday this year (Turn to page 34 for full details)

JOIN THE JOURNEY – WHY ENTER?

In addition to a great night out with two free tickets for finalists and after dinner entertainment, clubs use their success to raise the club’s profile, gain coverage in the local media, encourage new members and to gain even greater standing with suppliers

HOW T O ENTER

Turn the page to nominate yourself, your colleagues and/or your club. You can enter via this magazine or enter online at clubawards.co.uk. Good luck!

THE VENUE

Originally designed in 1936 as an Odeon Cinema, Athena is recognised as one of the most extravagant buildings in Leicester, restored to its original art deco splendour and enjoying a reputation for being the leading venue within the region

GETTING THERE

Athena is centrally located within easy reach of all major road and rail neworks. Bus and train stations are within walking distance, and there are parking facilities include an NCP next to the venue

ACCOMMODATION

There is a large selection of accommodation nearby to suit all budgets, searchable at booking com and www tripadvisor co uk amongst many others

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Visit clubawards.co.uk for further details or scan this QR code.

Club Awards 2023 – how t o ent er

So, do you think you could be a finalist? Could you and your club be joining the impressive Club Awards Hall of Fame? Time to find out! Yes, it’s time to enter the 2023 Club Awards!

How to enter Just look at the categories on these pages and decide which you’d like to enter Then either:

1 Enter online at clubmirror com OR

2. Use the entry form below and post it to Club Mirror/Club Awards, 59-60 Thames St, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1TX OR

3. Ask for a judge to undertake a telephone interview.

We look forward to your entry!

Your name:

Your role in club: Club Name: Address:

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 16 August, 2023

Entering by pos t?

Tick which categories you would like to enter and/or choose ‘Let judges decide’. The judges will then enter you into the categories they feel you are most suited for.

THEN: Using the questions opposite and in as many words as possible share just how special your club and your people are, using extra sheets of paper as needed, along with any supporting materials

GOOD LUCK!

PEOPLE NOMINATIONS

1 If you are nominating an individual or individuals, please state their name, role and contact details

3 ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNIT Y

2 What are you entering them for and why? (See categories)

4 CONSIDERATIONS

Please include all/any fur ther details you would like the judges to consider

ABOUT THE CLUB

1 BIGGEST SUCCESS/ GREATEST MOMENT SINCE MAY 2022?

2 BEST BUSINESS INITIATIVE/INNOVATION?

THE C ATEGORIES

n LET THE JUDGES DECIDE

RECOGNITION CATEGORIES

n 100 Club – recognising clubs over 100 years old (R)

n Volunteer Recognition (BC)

n Community Heroes (AD)

n International Club (AK)

n Young Ambassadors - under 30s (BE)

n Long Ser vice Recognition (AO)

PEOPLE CATEGORIES

n Bar Manager/Bar Steward of the Year (S)

n Manager/Secretar y of the Year (AP)

n Committee of the Year (AB)

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

n Business Initiative of the Year (U)

n Enter tainment Club of the Year (AI)

n Innovative Club of the Year (AJ)

n Marketing Club of the Year (AQ)

n Refurbishment Club of the Year (AS)

n Social Media Club of the Year (AU)

n Turnaround Club of the Year (BB)

n Website of the Year (BD)

SPORTS CATEGORIES

n Bowls Club of the Year (T)

n Cricket Club of the Year (AE)

n Dar ts Club of the Year (AF)

n Football Club of the Year (AL)

n Golf Club of the Year (AM)

n Racing Club of the Year (AR)

n Rugby Club of the Year (AT)

n Spor ts & Social Club of the Year (AV)

n Spor ts Club of the Year - Group/Chain (AW)

n Spor ts Club of the Year - Multiple Spor ts (AX)

n Tennis Club of the Year (BA)

CATERING AND BAR CATEGORIES

n CAMRA Club of the Year (V)

n Cocktail Club of the Year (AA)

n Catering Club of the Year (W)

n Chef of the Year (Y)

IN THE COMMUNIT Y

n Charity Club of the Year (X)

n CIU Traditional Club of the Year (Z)

n Community Club of the Year (AC)

n Diversity & Inclusion Club of the Year (AG)

n Family Club of the Year (AH)

GREEN & ENVIRONMENTAL

n Green Club of the Year (AN)

n Sustainability Project Award (AY)

n Grounds Team of the Year (AZ)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTRY!

DEADLINE – 16 AUGUST, 2023

TO ENTER ONLINE: www clubawards com (A downloadable entr y form is also available )

TO ENTER BY POST: Club Awards, Club Mirror, Gainsborough House, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX

Welcome t o the Club Awards

Couldn’t join us in 2022? Then take a look at last year’s welcome drinks reception for Awards finalists, club guests, club associations, dignitaries and sponsors as Leicester lit up for a night of celebration.

Joining t he 100 Club

The 100 Club was first launched in 2021, designed to applaud clubs who hit their centenary during the pandemic-enforced lockdown, making it impossible to mark the occasion in true club style To help them celebrate, we enlisted the help of our Honorary Secretary Tom Jones (right), one of the CIU’s oldest members who has reached his 105th birthday this year! Is your club eligible?

YOUR INVITATION TO JOIN THE 100 CLUB

Has your club hit its centenar y? Then let us know. Just drop us a line – caroline@clubmirror com – or call into the of fice on 01753 272022.

All centennial clubs will be invited to join us at our next celebrations where they will be invited onstage to collect their 100 Club Cer tificate

An af t er noon of mer r iment!

The afternoon of 22 November will see clubs, sponsors and partners heading to Leicester in advance of the Club Awards for an afternoon of entertainment, all laid on by Dransfields and Club Mirror

Calling all clubs! Fancy joining us for an afternoon packed with Dransfields quizzes, music and laughter? Last year ’ s event saw songs from a Wicked West End star, a set from solo artist and Leicester favourite Sarah Simms, an interview with the Club Awards host John Inverdale and a veritable feast from our friends at Pukka Pies. Interested? Just email info@clubmirror.com

2022’S EVENT – A HIT! HERE’S HOW IT LOOKED

1.00 Welcome + Music from Dransfields

1.40 Quiz – With prizes

2.00 The Real John Inverdale, interviewed by a former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe

2.15 Refreshments courtesy of Pukka Pies

2.30 Solo Act – Sarah Simms

3.00 Performance from Wicked West End Star Rebecca Gilliland

3.45 Prize Draw

4.00 Close

Celebration time! Club Awards winners announced

Club Mirror magazine’s 2022 Club Awards, welcomed 400 hundred guests to an evening of festivities, applauding the commitment of clubs across the country to constantly improve their offering for members

Club Associations were welcomed, including the Club Management Association of Europe and a number of its members, three of whom in particular had cause for celebration on the night

Pictured (lef t): The City of London Club’s Edwar d Plunke tt, Chair man of CMAE’s England Region (lef t), and The Roehamp t on Club’s Marc Newey CCM CCE FCIMSPA .

A bove r ight : Mor t on Hall Golf Club collects the Business Initiative of the Year Awar d

Sports Club of the Year

Roehampton Club, one of many sports clubs entries, was proud to win Southern Sports Club of the Year, with Chief Executive Marc Newey CCM CCE

FCIMSPA collecting the accolade on stage

The club invested £1m in a new airhall to provide 10 indoor courts during the winter It has also invested £400k in new solar panels with a forecasted payback of four years using 90% of generated electricity, and a further £150k was invested in additional drainage systems to capture rain and ground water for re-use

Investment in members is clearly evident, and the club develops its youngsters in every sport to be stars of the future with hundreds having swimming, golf, tennis and squash lessons every term.

The club also hosts 100 disadvantaged school kids each week to develop their tennis and squash skills while being taught maths by their teachers in between the sports The club provides the children with a nutritious tea free of charge afterwards

“Post pandemic the demand to join us has increased to such an extent that we now have a three year waiting list,” said Marc

Refurbishment Club of the Year

Further plaudits went to Chairman of CMAE England Region Edward Plunkett for an extensive refurbishment project at The City of London Club

Like the rest of the country, the 190 year old club acutely felt the loss of Prince Philip in 2021 and then Her Majesty the Queen in 2022

“His Royal Highness became an Honorary Member of the club in 1952 and accepted patronage of the Club in 1974,” says Edward, CEO of the club. “Prince Philip actually visited the club on several occasions which is not always the case with royal patrons.”

The club was due to name its largest accommodation suite ‘The Duke of Edinburgh Room’, but following his death this changed to ‘The Prince Philip Room’, paying tribute to the man rather than his title

“All in all, it has been a seismic period for the club over the last 12-18 months and the club is in a great position to move forward and write a new chapter as we head towards our double centenary in 2032,” said Edward

Business Initiative of the Year

CMAE’s Mortonhall Golf Club also walked away with a title, Business Initiative of the Year, thanks to it enterprising Greenkeeping equipment rental business

Nominated by Council Member Peter Flowers, 2021/2022 saw the Edinburgh club pivot from being a renter of equipment to being an owner, renting assets to others

The club purchased one of the first tractor-mounted VGR Top Changer devices in the UK This innovative machine uses high pressure water and vacuum effect to inject sand into greens and other areas of the course.

“Mortonhall has used this not only to improve significantly the health and quality of our own greens to increase the time members play on ‘good greens ’ but also to generate significant additional revenue for the Club by providing VGR services to other golf clubs and athletic organisations across the Central Belt of Scotland and UK,” said Peter

“Cash payback of the £28 5k investment was less than 18 months ”

CLUB AWARDS 2023 – OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Turn to pages 27-29 for how to enter, deadlines and categories

The City of London Club (above), The Roehamp t on Club (below) and Mor t on Hall Golf Club (above r ight) pr oved wor thy winners.

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HQ

BUILDING THE BUSINESS

How t o get what you bar gained for

Managers and Stewards with good negotiating skills are more likely to get good results and have employees who understand what’s expected of them Negotiation means developing an ability to resolve disputes and conflicts It also requires a willingness to work with other people to reach solutions that everyone can live with

In situations where a whole team/committee is negotiating, each individual should have their own role. Knowing who’s doing what and when, is fundamental to the overall negotiation process.

Here are 10 steps to becoming a skilled negotiator:

1. Start with the end in mind

Realise what you want the outcome to be and know how far you can – and are willing to – go

2. Show respect

Listen and learn about the other party’s point of view

Think about whether you can both attain the outcomes you desire and be prepared to meet in the middle

3. Self-belief

If you believe you can achieve what you want, you are more likely to be successful. Presenting in a relaxed, confident way will help you to reach your goal. Speak clearly and concisely Avoid appearing desperate, stressed, irritated or angry at all costs

4. Develop rapport

People like people who are like themselves Take some time to warm up your negotiating partners and find areas of common ground Remember your goal is to create and preserve a relationship

5 Use influencing skills

Learn as much as you can about your negotiating partners so that you will be better equipped to influence them. Listen to the language they use and then use it too. Find out what is important to them – do they focus on what they want or what they don’t want? Do they seek approval from someone else?

6. Use sales skills

Ask questions and present the benefits of your argument. Find out whether they agree and then handle any objections Remember to think about the benefits for both parties

7. Be flexible

Explore all possible solutions and outcomes Be prepared to adapt if it means you both achieve your desired outcomes Collaboration doesn’t mean giving up or giving in

8 Be focused, firm and determined

Restate your case with confidence

9. Closing skills

At the end of the meeting, be clear about what you have asked and what you have agreed upon. Confirm in writing afterwards if appropriate

10. Do it

If you have agreed to do something, make sure you have a plan for carrying it out and make sure it happens. Being reliable and trustworthy will make things easier when you next come to negotiate with the person

Negotiation is most successful when both par ties:

• Recognise the value of a relationship and want to continue it

• Par ticipate actively in the process

• Show consideration and acceptance of each other’s perspectives, values, beliefs and goals

• Separate personality from the issue involved

• Work together to develop a solution ever yone can accept

As cos ts of ener gy and food have gone up, keeping t hat all impor t ant bo tt om line in check is a challenge for t he entir e Hospit ality sect or. HQ Building t he Business of fers up a ‘back t o basics’ checklis t on f inancial management. Plus: Why t he ar t of nego tiating is a key weapon in t he club ar mour y when tr ying t o secur e t he bes t t er ms you can fr om suppliers acr oss all aspects of club business.

From discussing terms of an employee’s contract to securing the best deals from suppliers, the ability to seal the deal and – ideally – keep ever yone happy is essential. Enter the ar t of negotiation.

the

With the advent of Brexit, the UK consumer is understandably wary of where they spend their leisure pound. With belt-tightening fairly inevitable, clubs up and down hard at presenting even more reasons for members and guests to come into the club There are, however, a number of back-to-basics steps which will strengthen club business, free up capital and put in place controls to make it easier to trade through these challenging times

The adage ‘cash is king’ is bandied around a great deal But perhaps the alternative – and more accurate – statement ‘cashflow is king’ should be a higher priority Whatever you do, if you fail to get a grip on your cashflow the chances of saving your club fall dramatically.

So, taking this issue as a starting point, there are several ways you can bolster your business and improve financial controls.

Restricting spending

Consider restricting spending, particularly in terms of stock ordering It is important not to over-order and, where possible, reduce the amount of stock you hold on shelves It may mean ordering more frequently, but it will mean cash stays in your bank account longer, and if you do have bills to pay, you are not faced with trying to quickly shift stock to fill the coffers

This extends to hiring new staff and making decisions about major investments - anything that will incur costs immediately or in the coming months should be scrutinised closely. That isn’t to say don’t invest in your club, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket with a refurbishment or new service in the hope of generating significant revenue and leave yourself short

Approach purchases with the simple rule that anything paid for sitting unsold or un-used is cash that could be in the bank

Monitoring finances

Keep a very close eye on the bank balance It is crucial that finances are monitored daily and decisions are not taken without adequate cashflow planning, so consider giving a senior staff/committee member access to more information and responsibility for the bank balance.

Dealing with debtors

Looking beyond cash in the bank, it is critical to man-

age both creditors and debtors effectively. If you only address outstanding debts on a monthly basis at present, change your procedures and do it as a weekly priority Bills should be despatched as soon as possible

Don’t allow debts to drag out, whether this is members slow to send in subs or income from commercial activity As soon as a deadline passes, get in touch and find out how you can speed payment up

It’s all in the planning –getting back t o black ”

If you are concerned that certain debts may not be paid - for example, a bill for venue hire or rent owed for property you let - take action immediately. This should involve ‘planning for the worst’ and ensuring you could cope if the debt wasn’t paid (and seeking legal advice about recovery options).

Handling creditors

Where you owe money to others, be it in bills for stock or upcoming charges from utilities, the sooner you talk to them about potential problems the better It may be that there is an alternative to one-off payments which would allow you to pay quarterly or monthly, boosting your cashflow in the short term You might even be able to negotiate a longer payment period

Shopping around

Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount - the market is tough for suppliers too so research the potential savings you might make by switching suppliers for your products and utilities. With any supplier you are entitled to a payment period so don’t pay early

By all means pay promptly and maintain a good relationship with your suppliers, but if you are allowed 30 days to pay, don’t pay on the second day and then struggle for a week because of tight cashflow

Additional income

Finally, there are also a number of ways you can raise additional income and now may be a good time to explore them If you have land or property that is not being properly utilised, or perhaps assets that have a high value, you could consider using them to bring in extra funds

Ultimately, the priority is to keep your club trading through the tough times so you can prosper in the good times. It may mean belt-tightening and tough decisions, but in the longrun, strong financial management will be the difference between sinking and swimming

Keeping

club’s bank balance in the black isn’t always easy. But there are some simple back-to-basics steps which can help keep money in the account and creditors firmly outside the club doors.

S tr ong

f inancial management can be t he dif f er ence be tween sinking and swimming.

“

With the Premier League (76%) and the UEFA Champions League (56%) the most popular sports for fans to watch in the pub, there can be no doubt about just how valuable live sport can be for business

Alasdair Collis, Director of Commercial Customers, BT Sport, said: “In tough economic times every penny spent counts The more insight we have and that we can offer into consumer behaviour, the better we are able to help our pub and club customers keep the drinks coming and the tills ringing.”

The report (which was based on an online survey of 500 pub-going sports fans) reveals that:

• 85% of sports fans spend more on drinks when watching live sport

• 76% would stop going to their local if they stopped showing live sport

• 89% of those who go to their local to watch sport, do so to watch football

• 92% of sports fans said that showing live sport during the week positively influences their visit frequency

Katy Moses, KAM Managing Director, said: “If operators are looking at ways to pull people off their sofas and into venues in the week, then the opportunities to attract sport fans and associated spend during traditionally quiet midweek times is huge

THE SPORT S WATCHING EXPERIENCE

The spor ts watching occasion is more resistant to economic pressures, says the repor t, and with 41% of the adult UK population watching spor t, in a pub during the week in the past six months, this isn’t a topic to be ignored

Weekday spor t is incremental

Spor t is comparatively more impor tant at driving visits to venues during the week compared with the weekend when customers are more likely to visit anyway to drink and eat. Fur thermore, this weekday visit to watch the spor t doesn’t cannibalise that weekend spend

The halo ef fect of spor t

Spor t drives loyalty and footfall for both spor t and non-spor t occasions as a positive spor ts watching experience can drive repeat visits If their favourite venue stops showing spor t, over 76% would stop going to that venue, highlighting the loyalty it can drive

Spend is greater when there is spor t on Not only will spor t hopefully drive footfall, customers are also inclined to spend more on drinks when it’s on Perhaps to settle the ner ves!

Top-f light football is key Competitions that include the biggest teams such as the Premier League and the UEFA competitions should be prioritised in the of fering Fans are much more likely to watch a team they suppor t and 52% of spor ts-watching pub goers follow a ‘ Big 6’ team

“The research highlights that showing midweek live sport should be looked at as a vehicle for driving true incrementality and also loyalty.”

Getting the right atmosphere is vital, with more than half (52%) pointing to that as the reason to take in the action And when out, sports fans are happy to spend money, with two thirds (63%) likely to buy more beer when watching live sports, with the average spend coming in at £17 45

It’s certainly making an impact for Punch Pubs, as Matt Jagger, Marketing and Guest Experience Manager, explains

“Sport is one of our key drivers as part of our rhythm of the week,” he said. “Premier League football is a really big draw and outperforms other major sporting competitions, including international tournaments like The World Cup and The Euros. Add to that the midweek fixtures in The Champions League and Europa League, and there is almost wall to wall sports for fans to enjoy in the comfort of their local ”

• To read the full report click here.

Mos t popular spor ting events to watch

1 Premier League – 76%

2 UEFA Champions League – 56%

3 Major football tournaments – 42%

4 UEFA Europa League – 30%

5 Domestic cups (FA/Carabao) – 27%

T WO PINT S OF L AGER AND A PACKET OF CRISPS

The message from the repor t is that when spor t is on, it’s about getting the basics done right, but there is always an oppor tunity for upselling

The food and beverage offering doesn’t necessarily need to change a huge amount from what customers would usually expect Beer (63%) and crisps (28%) are the top categories to see an uplift when spor t is on, so communication or offers around the spor t should focus on these areas

With midweek spor t there is an oppor tunity for spor ts events or a specific night of the week to become synonymous with a combo deal or sharing plates For example, a burger and a pint deal, or a chicken wings that par tners with the spor ts offering

Fr iday, Apr il 7, 3pm – Sky Spor ts

Super League: W igan War r iors v St Helens

One of the most enduring rivalries in world sport will ensure that this Good Friday fixture is a highly competitive affair. Of course, it is Saints who are reigning Super League Champions and they will be favourites for this clash particularly after a strong start to the current season, including their huge win over Aussie side

Penrith Panthers

The best of

As the Premier League hur tles towards its conclusion there are some huge games coming up which will have a direct bearing on the final destination of the title as well as the various relegation battles

Tuesday, Apr il 4, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League

Pr emier League: Chelsea v Liver pool

Wednesday, Apr il 5, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League

Pr emier League: Wes t Ham v Newcas tle Unit ed

Thursday, Apr il 6, 7 30pm

Satur

day, Apr il 15, 12.30pm – IT V

Horse Racing: The Grand National

The ITV team will be at Aintree for all three days of the Grand National Meeting which culminates on the Saturday with a full schedule of jump racing on the famous track. At around 5.15pm, the big race will go off as the nation watches with bated breath for one of the undoubted sporting highlights of the year This year ’ s event is sure to be as competitive as ever given the calibre of the runners involved

Sky Spor ts Main Event Golf: The Mas t ers – Day 1

Thursday, Apr il 6, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Super League: Cas tlefor d T igers v Wakef ield Tr inity

Fr iday, Apr il 7, 12.30pm

Sky Spor ts Super League: Hull FC v Hull KR

Fr iday, Apr il 7, 3pm

Sky Spor ts Super League: W igan War r iors v S t Helens

Satur day, Apr il 8, 12 30pm

BT Spor t

Pr emier League: Manches t er Unit ed v Ever t on

Satur day, Apr il 8, 12 30pm

Sky Spor ts Foo tball

Wednesday, Apr il 25, 8pm – BT Spor t

Premier League: Manches ter City v Arsenal

One of the most significant matches of the domestic season sees the two Premier League pacesetters battling it out at the Etihad The fixture at the Emirates Stadium back in February finished 3-1 in City’s favour with De Bruyne, Grealish and Haaland scoring for the visitors who could only conjure up a single goal from Saka during a pulsating encounter

Sco ttish Pr emier League: Celtic v R angers

Satur day, Apr il 8, 5.30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League

Pr emier League: Leeds Unit ed v Cr ys t al P alace

Sunday, Apr il 9, 2pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League

Pr emier League: Sout hamp t on v Manches t er City *

Sunday, Apr il 9, 4.30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League

Pr emier League: Liver pool v Arsenal *

Thursday, Apr il 13, 12 30pm

IT V

Horse R acing: Gr and National Mee ting - Day 1

Satur day, Apr il 15, 10am

BBC Snooker : Wor ld Championships –Day 1

Satur day, Apr il 15, 12.30pm

IT V

Horse R acing: Gr and National Mee ting - Day 3

Satur day, Apr il 15, 12 30pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: As t on V illa v Newcas tle Unit ed

Satur day, Apr il 15, 5 30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: No ttingham For es t v Manches t er Unit ed

Sunday, Apr il 16, 2pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Wes t Ham v Arsenal *

Sunday, Apr il 16, 4 30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Manches t er City v Leices t er City *

live spor t – coming up

Monday, Apr il 17, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Leeds Unit ed v Liver pool *

Fr iday, Apr il 21, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Arsenal v Sout hamp t on *

Satur day, Apr il 22, 12 30pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Fulham v Leeds Unit ed

Satur day, Apr il 22, 5.30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Manches t er Unit ed v Chelsea

Sunday, Apr il 23, 2pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Newcas tle Unit ed v To tt enham Ho tspur*

Sunday, Apr il 23, 4 30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Br ight on v Manches t er City *

Tuesday, Apr il 25, 7.30pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Wolves v Cr ys t al P alace

Tuesday, Apr il 25, 7 45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: As t on V illa v Fulham

Tuesday, Apr il 25, 7 45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Leeds v Leices t er City

Tuesday, Apr il 25, 7.45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Sout hamp t on v AFC Bour nemout h *

Wednesday, Apr il 25, 7 30pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: No ttingham For es t v Br ight on

Wednesday, Apr il 25, 7 45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Chelsea v Br entfor d

Wednesday, Apr il 25, 7.45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Wes t Ham v Liver pool

Wednesday, Apr il 25, 8pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Manches t er City v Arsenal

Thursday, Apr il 26, 7 45pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Ever t on v Newcas tle Unit ed

Thursday, Apr il 26, 8.15pm

BT Spor t

Pr emier League: To tt enham Ho tspur v Manches t er Unit ed

Satur day, Apr il 29, 12 30pm

BT Spor t Pr emier League: Cr ys t al P alace v Wes t Ham

Satur day, Apr il 29, 5 30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Arsenal v Chelsea

Sunday, Apr il 30, 12 midday

Sky Spor ts F1 F1: Azerbaijan Gr and Pr ix

Sunday, Apr il 30, 2pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Fulham v Manches t er City

Sunday, Apr il 30, 4 30pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Liver pool v To tt enham Ho tspur

Monday, May 1, 8pm

Sky Spor ts Premier League Pr emier League: Leices t er City v Ever t on

(*Fixtures

F1: Azerbaijan Grand Pr ix Sunday,Apr il 30, 12 midday, Sky Spor ts F1

Secur ing sponsorship satisfaction

Apractical way to earn additional revenue for your club is to bring in sponsors Not only can they add financial value to the club, they can also pro-actively promote the club and act as an endorsement of the club if the brand fit is right.

To bring in the right sponsors at the right fee, you first of all need to understand what the sponsors are looking for. All businesses will have their particular targets so if, for example, they’re looking for a younger market you may want to discuss the youth section If their product is female focussed, then your drive to bring in more 18-34 year old males may cause disappointment and friction at a later stage

Equally, be sure that the sponsors you hope to bring in will be viewed as a good fit by the members The sponsors you choose to work with says as much about you as a club as it does about them as a sponsor. And also do remember to tap into the expertise and reach of your new partner. Examine cross-promotions and be ready to discuss their learnings while sharing your own to equal benefit.

In general sponsors are looking for:

• Positive promotion of their brand (exposure)

• A platform through which to sell their products

• A targeted client base who match the profile of their customers

• A facility that matches their brand aspirations

• And potentially a place to entertain existing clients to ensure ongoing loyalty

Here are top tips to ensure your sponsors are completely satisfied and keep coming back to you year on year.

1. Professionalism

Many of the potential sponsors you will be dealing with will be reporting back to a head office which will have strict control procedures Therefore it is important to understand quickly that these organisations will need professionally produced documents produced during the negotiations and contract process

Ensure that you have these documents to hand and that your communication and dealings are professional and efficient Often large organisations make last minute decisions and are working to tight timelines, so it is important that you respect these timeline and follow through on their requests. Ensure that everything is signed and sealed as – like many clubs – budgets may be cut in times of austerity or if head office priorities change

2. Respect their brand

Sponsors are entrusting you with their brand From the onset, then, you should ask them for a copy of their brand guidelines and any do’s and don’ts This will not only impress them with your commitment to safeguard the brand values, but it will also ensure that you or your team don’t make any blatant errors when you do agree terms and are ‘managing’ their brand on your property It is a good idea to quickly establish sign off procedures on their brand application at your facility so it does not hold up the process.

3. One stop shop

Once you have established an agreement for a company to sponsor an element at your facility they may expect you to provide a ‘ one stop shop’ for them This is a great opportunity to add yet more valuable revenue by taking care of the production of branded items etc Be careful during the negotiations that the sponsor understands that the fees you are charging are for the exposure opportunity and the cost of branding certain items is over and above that

You may be asked to source the signage company, printer, source the shirts, produce the flags etc whatever it is you will need to project manage this carefully and charge a decent margin to cover the time you have put into this.

Very often clubs will have much better supply chains for these items than the sponsoring company themselves

4. Add value

When you are developing sponsorship relationships make sure you understand the long term value of the sponsorship agreement and ensure that you are adding value into the agreement This may be in the form of, for example, free activities

perhaps a four-ball at a golf day, seats at an annual dinner and so on One good way to add value is to create a media release about the agreement and circulate (with their prior approval) to your database.

By adding value you are reinforcing the relationship which should result in the relationship lasting longer term, giving the club some sustainable income streams.

5. Communication – before, during and after

Often the sponsoring company will have assigned the relationship to a specific person in their organisation Whoever this person is and whatever their job title, rest assured they will be required to give timely feedback on what is happening to their sponsorship investment As a result be proactive with your communication before, during and – in the case of an event – after In this way you are making their life easier and, if there are any misunderstandings, they will emerge quickly and can be addressed. The aim is to show that you are meeting and exceeding expectations. It becomes quantifiable and, should this person leave, there is an accurate trail of activities to

The value of sponsorships t o clubs is immense. So how do you ensure that the relationship wor ks for all par ties – including the members? Here are 10 Top Tips with an additional one thrown in, all in the spir it of under-promise and then – of course! – over-deliver.

The sponsors you wor k with will t ell your members much about you as a club.

prove that you are meeting your side of the agreement. It also makes their life easier which can only help secure renewals/more business and goodwill.

6. Loyalty

During a sponsorship relationship you need to be loyal to your sponsor and open and upfront about other sponsorship opportunities You may, for example, tie down a local car dealer to be ‘Official car dealer of club X’ As a result of this you will have to have in your agreement certain exclusions regarding approaches from other car dealers and/or brands This may not preclude you from having a competitor brand’s event at your club, but you better make sure that your sponsor knows that you will be open to other car brand business. This puts you in a position of power. If they demand exclusivity that will cost more as you ’ re losing potential revenue. A word of warning here; if exclusivity comes into play, be careful on your handling of turning others away If your sponsor walks away from you (for whatever reason) you could find that those you ’ ve turned away have secured sponsorships elsewhere Look at the length of your agreement and secure a three year exclusivity deal if possible

7. Results

The more results and stats you can feed back to the sponsor the better They have to report up the chain the performance of their sponsorship investment, so it is crucial that you feed them with the right information. Some of the stats you could offer are:

• Number of customers you have had through your doors who have seen their brand

• The number of hits on your web site pages that carry the sponsors brand (you might also show the click through rate).

• Media clipping from a joint press release with some media value calculations

• Photographic log of their brand in situ

• Feed back/testimonials from sponsored events

8. Longer terms presence

If you have committed and loyal sponsors on board it is a good idea to have a sponsors ’ recognition wall somewhere prominent in the clubhouse This wall can carry the logo and a story of the relationship, thus giving the sponsor more exposure and a feelgood factor. However, the sponsors ’ wall is also a marketing showcase for you, because it sends a positive message to others that ‘ yes we are open to sponsorship suggestions’.

You should be able to measure the value of the sponsorships you receive and therefore you could put a ‘minimum’ spend threshold to qualify for permanent club house presence

9. First refusal

Over time you will think up many sponsorship opportunities at your club, from events and competitions to product placement or simply branding Whatever they are, make sure you give your existing sponsors first refusal There is nothing more infuriating for an existing sponsor seeing another brand take on something at a facility that they were unaware was up for grabs. Equally, if you feel the need to spread your sponsorships over more companies for security, use your diplomacy and communication skills to explain this reasoning

10. Innovation

Sponsors appreciate it if you come up with innovative ideas that help portray their brand in a positive light – and which also secure money for your club (win win) So take time to understand the businesses your members are in and keep an eye on local and regional advertising to see who is promoting what Then approach them with ‘have I got an idea for you!’

And finally – your bonus point!

11. Recognition

Take time to recognise your sponsors at every available opportunity:

• Thank them during speeches at events, specifically not generically. “I’d like to thank all the sponsors today” does not cut it.

• Invite them to a sponsors ’ golf day or event as your guest/s

• Invite them to an end of season dinner

• Send them a thank you gift at the end of the year (an innovative one ideally – stand out from the crowd)

• Send them thank you notes

Ultimately, always try and step into the mind-set of your sponsors And keep in touch with what they’re doing If they shift direction or launch a new product, you want to be sure that together you stay on the same path and continue the journey for their benefit, the club’s benefit and ultimately the benefit of your members. And ultimately always remember the mantra – under promise and overdeliver!

If your sponsors are focusing on the next generation of members, make sure they see your coaching pr ogrammes in action

Successful planning – from signage t o st aff training

To meet today’s challenges, clubs must continue to present themselves in the most professional manner that they can.

Curb appeal - does it matter?

The external appearance of the club - the ‘curb appeal’ is the first impression that members and potential members get of your club The wrapping can be as important as what’s inside and perceptions can be heightened by taking time out to ensure you stand out in the crowd Take a step outside the club Would you be attracted enough to walk through the doors? Does it have ‘curb appeal’?

Of course the vast size of many clubs and the cost of external decoration can make this a costly exercise. But even the smallest attention to detail can make a big difference. Ensuring that the doors are clean and freshly painted is an obvious one. Hanging baskets and plants can hide a multitude of sins and in the hands of the right committee member/s can be a cheap and effective way to inject new life into a tired exterior

Make signage count

Make sure signage is sited correctly, that it is illuminated where it should be and ensure advertising material such as posters are in date A wind-tattered poster announcing dates long gone by does little to present the venue as an upbeat, finger-on-the-pulse club.

At the bar - product portfolio

The product portfolio is key – the right brands, with the right support at the best prices giving the necessary margins Members’ preferences, combined with new (appropriate) launches and offers etc is the obvious port of call

How you promote and display the bar offering is also vital to encouraging volume up sells Eye level positioning of high profit products and the overall general appearance of the bar are massive contributory factors in your challenge to increase revenues for the club

Targets and training

Staff training is ever more important given the competitive marketplace that clubs are in. Product knowledge, customer skills, service techniques and a positive attitude are all essentials.

“Take a step outside. Would you be attracted enough to walk through the club doors?

they don’t need a business plan, now ’ s the time to reconsider. Developing a business plan (whatever the size of the club) and setting targets is the way to achieve objectives. Every business needs a framework to ensure it stays on track, focused –and open!

Sports screenings and big events

Advertising is essential in and around the venue –particularly with respect to sports screenings Make sure you regularly select the big dates, get the posters up and maximise the potential

Often it is important to include promotional offers or something of interest to pull members away from the comfort of their own home Check out your local competition What are they doing?

The high traffic areas at your venue are the ideal locations for your advertising literature – toilets, notice boards and entrances. Make sure these areas are well covered.

are not just there to pull pints Share the responsibility and strain with them giving you more time to focus on the detail.

Funding plans

Seeking out sponsorship for events and functions means clubs can expand on original plans with a greater degree of support and finance

The power of marketing

Impact and a ‘ wow ’ factor are important to grow the member base The more advertising and marketing you can do the bigger the impact on membership and events sales, and – from a PR perspective – maintains the club’s profile in the minds of old, new and prospective members

All staff need to be fully briefed regularly on up and coming events They are your sales team and

Mailings to your membership database (where possible) is another way of ensuring you are generating the greatest footfall you can when attracting people to your events. This is where all your marketing initiatives should start – they are your most loyal customers

And finally, for smaller clubs who may think <

Things we take for granted as being done well and run of the mill can suffer from the ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ equation. This shor t, sharp audit is a good exercise to make sure you’re still covering all bases.

31S T BEER & TRADES EXHIBITION

When? 14 April, 2023 – 1-5pm Where? Norbreck Castle Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 9AA

JOIN US

• Find out what CIU's National accounts and club suppliers are up to and what impact they could have on your club

• Seek legal advice

• See what's new in enter tainment

• Learn about spor ting oppor tunities

• Network with other clubs

EXHIBIT ORS INCLUDE

Ace Furniture, BOC, BT Spor t, CAMRA, CIU, Chemisphere UK, Club Control, Club Journal, Dransfields, Ethical Energy, Greene King, Higos, Mr Scratchings, Praxis Operations, Pure Purchasing, The Card Industr y Professionals

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US?

“This year's event will see club-suppor ting suppliers all ready and waiting to showcase their products and provide exper t advice on helping club business,” says Stephen Goulding, Of fice Manager CIU

ENTRY

Entr y is by ticket only for CIU members

CIU MEMBERSHIP

Not a member? For more details on joining the CIU, please contact:

Stephen Goulding

Address:, CIU Of fice Manager, Club Union House, 253-254 Upper Street, London N1 1RY

t 020 7226 0221

e. SGoulding@wmciu.org

CIU Trade Show –The Exhibitors

The CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition returns to Blackpool on April 14, 2023. See you there?

Greene King

“Greene King has over 200 years of brewing award-winning beers from our headquarters in Bury St Edmunds. In the On-Trade we supply a full composite drinks service to social clubs, pubs, bars and hotels.

“We offer a one-stop-shop delivery service across beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

“Our keg formats in Greene King IPA Smooth, Belhaven Best and Belhaven Black are successful in many members clubs, and we also supply many third party brands such as Carling, San Miguel and Foster’s.

“The depth of our product portfolio means we can build bespoke solutions for individual customers, all backed by customer service teams and a cellar service staffed by our own engineers. Our regular promotional and marketing activity help clubs drive sales, with Regional Sales Development Managers calling in person to offer support and advice to our customers.”

www.greeneking.co.uk

John Axon, Key Account Manager

Greene King Brewing & Brands

Telephone: 07974 132226

Higos Insurance

Your club is unique Higos are here to help you protect it.

As the only preferred and trusted CIU insurance par tner, Higos will provide your club with the right insurance cover, for the right price

Ken Green, CIU General Secretar y stated, “As General Secretar y, I can recommend Higos Insurance ”

By insuring with Higos, you obtain access to a wide range of facilities. This includes free access to Health and Safety Risk Management por tal, which helps your club stay up to date with any changes to safety legislations, impacts or current issues

As a CIU member, give Higos the chance to beat your club renewal or new quote price by contacting us via: hospitality.por tfolio@higos.co.uk

Telephone: 01458 270 303

Greene King is the Union’s Preferred Supplier of beers and ciders

The Higos Insurance team look forward to welcoming you to Blackpool

Drans elds

“Dransfields is the UK’s largest independent supplier of gaming and amusement machines to private members clubs. With over 75 years’ of club and pub industry experience, we have unrivalled expertise and are able to provide the highest levels of service and support to help you maximise your machine income. We are your approved recommended Gaming Machine Supplier to the CIU and several other organisation, all commending us for our excellent service and commitment to clubs and club values. This year we’ll be showcasing our “Spotlight Entertainment System” which provides a one stop solution for clubs, incorporating Bingo, Music, Karaoke, Quizzes and Games. We will also be showing our range of classic equipment and new machines, as well as entertaining attendees with fun games (and prizes!), including standard Bingo and Spotlight BeBop Bingo.”

Telephone: 0345 644 9419 enquiries@dransfields.com www.dransfields.com

Pure Purchasing

“We are a leading independent purchasing consultancy in the UK.

“We have a range of services that deliver practical solutions to help you focus on growing your business by securing saving solutions on areas like utilities, waste management, telecoms, merchant services, drinks, food, office supplies and sundries.

“We unravel the jargon to make taking decisions easier through our range of valueadded services enabling you to reinvest your resources into the areas that matter most to you: serving your members and developing your business for the future.

“Whatever your purchasing issues, Pure Purchasing can assist you to cut and control costs.

“If you’re ready to save money, time or effort, all you need to do is get in touch.

“Talk to us about the areas you are concerned about; its free to talk and we know we can help you.”

www.purepurchasing.co.uk

E. info@purepurchasing.co.uk

t. Call David on mobile - 07495 893 993 or the office - 0330 118 8338.

Dransfields is the approved recommended Gaming Machine Supplier to the CIU

Pure Purchasing’s David King (left) with CIU Vice-President Ken Roberts CMD ACM

ACE Furniture

“ACE Furniture is a family business with over 40 years’ experience in manuf-acturing both fixed and loose furniture for the contract industry, based centrally in Northamptonshire.

“ACE prides itself on manufacturing by traditional methods in both wood and metal ensuring the furniture is built to last. It has a repair and reupholstery service which can handle everything from small repairs to full re-upholstery, and the skilled workforce of frames makers, upholsterers and sewing machinists ensure that all furniture meets customers’ specific needs.

“Working with the CIU for over 20 years helps ACE to understand the needs of the Club market. ACE will arrange a free site visit to discuss requirements and make suggestions to bring the club up to date in both style and finish.

“We will also be exhibiting at the 2023 Beer & Trades Exhibition in Blackpool so please come over to our stand for a chat about your club’s requirements and for a closer look at items from our club furniture range ”

Telephone: 01536 203244

sales@acefurniture.uk.com

https://www.acefurniture.uk.com

Praxis Operations

“The Praxis team is ver y excited to be attending the CIU tradeshow for the first time this year, and we’re looking forward to showing attendees our raffle software, Praxis Play.

“Praxis Play is an easy, intuitive digital raffle solution to help raise money for memberships, associations and good causes We can be fully branded with your logo and club colours to look and feel just like your business

“Now you can plan and track raffles all in one place to reach your members when they are in and out of your club, creating your ideal raffles in minutes or choose from ready-made templates

“The Praxis play administration site has easy to use suppor t alongside built in marketing campaigns enabling you to attract new members and increase your profits along with full repor ting on tickets sold, user engagement and incomes.”

Telephone: 0330 118 8338

hello@praxisfintech.com

ACE Furniture has been working with the CIU for over 20 years

The Praxis team is very excited to be attending the CIU trade show

Club Control

“We are delighted to be attending our eighth consecutive CIU trade show and to meeting our friends old and new. We will be showcasing our innovative range of products, specifically designed and bespoke for the club sector.

“It’s been a tough time for all clubs and we look forward to seeing you on our stand as always. Club Control understands how important all clubs are to your members and local community. We will be demonstrating our EPOS Control System, which is now helping over 1800 clubs.

“Our systems make controlling your club’s finances more secure and accurate, helping you boost profitability, trade and membership levels. Your staff and committee officers receive essential full support whilst you’re trading from our dedicated technical support team to ensure continuous trading.

“Please ensure that you visit us at what should be a great trade show.”

Email: info@clubcontrol.co.uk

Telephone: 0330-058-0411

www.clubcontrol.co.uk

Mr Scratchings

“Mr Scratchings are delighted to be attending the 31st CIU Trades & Beer Exhibition and to share with you our comprehensive range of products and the standard of service we are able to provide.

“We supply nationwide using our own van sales or telesales, courier service.

“In addition to our famous range of “Mr Scratchings” Pork Snacks, we supply a wide choice of bar snacks, including Crisps, Snacks, Nuts, Bar sundries alongside our cleaning materials and paper products.

We are happy to support all clubs with competitive pricing, regular promotions, and on the day trade show special offers.” enquiries@mrscratchings.co.uk https://www.mrscratchings.co.uk

Telephone: 01274 670044

Union Vice-President Ken Roberts CMD ACM visits the Club Control stand

Mr Scratchings is a one-stop shop for bar snacks and bar sundries