BGL Team News - April/May

BGL Team News

TOP STORIES / CEO UPDATE / LATEST NEWS / SUPPORT OFFICE

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CHARITY EVENT - BOURNEMOUTH

On the 28th February, Mulligans Bournemouth started a partnership with Bournemouth University students on their ongoing charity campaign. The venue ran two charity events, with ticket sales and entry fees going directly to ‘Educate Uganda’, a charity that focuses on improving education and learning environments for impoverished children in the African nation.

Continued on page 8.

THORNBURY MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT

Thornbury Golf Centre has completed a major redevelopment of its driving range facility, becoming the first in the region to install pioneering TrackMan Range technology.

The new state-of-the-art driving range boasts 23 bays with TrackMan touchscreens on the original driving range site.

CEO UPDATE

From Colin Mayes

CONTENTS PAGE ADVENTURE LEISURE

Mulligans Bristol Coming Soon

Richard Wood's Senior Leader, Level 7

Apprenticeship Experience

Mulligans Bournemouth - Charity Event

Mulligans Worcester - Charity Event

BGL GOLF

Thornbury - Driving Range Redevelopment

Hoebridge - Geoff Craggs Employee Profile

Abbey Hill - Sam Norman Selected For Open Championship Role

Abbey Hill Refurbishment

SUPPORT OFFICE

Mental Health

Internal Promotions

BGL - Create The Future

NINJA

CEO UPDATE

Colin Mayes

Dear Colleagues,

We are now at the beginning of May, and it has only just started to warm up, Spring this year seems to have come very late with most of April being unseasonably cold and very wet. Not exactly a great start to the new 2023 golfing season!

This year’s weather pattern has certainly been all over the place, with February the driest month on record. Then for March the weather pattern changed completely, with the month being one of the wettest on record. This certainly didn’t help our greenkeeping teams! However, thanks to hard work and diligence all of our courses are now in excellent condition. A few are still having works completed which would not normally be the case at this time of the year but the very wet weather in March and April caused delays.

As a business, the group overall has done well through the first quarter, and we enter the main golf season in good shape, albeit assisted by a very good performance from our Adventure Leisure & Ninja Leisure divisions. Both sides of the business have been performing close to expected levels despite the

economic climate. We have showed that all three business areas in which we operate are very resilient, and that gives me confidence for the future.

One thing that COVID has taught everyone is that it is important to find time for leisure activities, to try and keep a reasonable level of fitness and to maintain stronger relationships with family and friends. Our golf clubs provide great venues for people to meet up, enjoy themselves and also to become active. Mulligans and Ninja Warrior also provide great venues for families to get together, be active and have fun. As long as we provide excellent service and ensure our customers enjoy their time with us, we will keep progressing.

I am delighted to report that our new Mulligans site in Norwich is trading well, and we are all looking forward to the Summer season with all the tourists that descend upon East Anglia. We are also building our next site in Bristol, right next to one of the largest retail parks in the southwest of England called Cribbs Causeway. The site should be open by early June.

This month we also start work on our second BUNKERS! venue in Romford, North London, and we are in discussions regarding new sites in Belfast and Dublin.

Within the golf division we have now finished the majority of the major works scheduled for 2023 - Burhill has a new Professional Shop, together with a new members’ golf and buggy storage facility. Abbey Hill Golf Club has had their function facilities and their back of house office space completely upgraded providing a superb venue in the city for weddings and functions.

At Thornbury we also completed our work in upgrading the driving range with Trackman, something that has been so successful for us at Hoebridge, Ramsdale, Birchwood, and Wycombe Heights.

At Birchwood we have opened up the existing bar area and created a new covered patio which we hope our members and visitors will enjoy as the warmer weather arrives. Finally, we have started work on transforming the driving range at The Shropshire Golf Club which we expect to be finished by July. Many of these projects are also featured in this newsletter.

Finally, I would like to end with a reminder for us all to keep an open mind and continue our own lifelong learning journey. I am a great believer in that you are never too old to learn new skills and even retrain for a new job or role. Janice, our Learning and Development Manager, has been making sure that those that want to continue their own education can do so with us. More recently, we have been making a real effort to try and get as many of our teams trained in First Aid. I am delighted to report that as a group we now have over 350 first aiders.

If you have not looked at the huge number of online training courses on our Academy site, I urge you all to spend a few minutes taking a look. It is also essential that you continue to ensure that you maintain all your own statutory training as an absolute minimum. If you have any questions in this regard please make sure you speak with your supervisor / manager ASAP.

I will end with two inspired quotes regarding the above subject.

"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it."

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Thank you all for your support and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming months ahead.

Warmest regards

Colin Mayes CEO

- Albert Einstein

- Nelson Mandela

THORNBURY COMPLETES MAJOR DRIVING RANGE REDEVELOPMENT

Thornbury Golf Centre has completed a major redevelopment of its driving range facility, becoming the first in the region to install pioneering TrackMan Range technology.

The new state-of-the-art driving range boasts 23 bays with TrackMan touchscreens on the original driving range site. The outfield has also been totally remodelled to create a more immersive experience for visitors.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Geoff Craggs

Head Warden, Hoebridge Golf Centre

I joined Hoebridge just over two years ago. When I first joined there was a small team of part time golf marshals. I was initially employed to both marshal the golf course and to look after the Trackman Driving Range. One year later I was honoured to be asked to step up and was offered the role of Head Warden.

I now lead a team of eight marshal/wardens here at Hoebridge and report directly into our Head Professional, Ian Hayward. The role can be both challenging and rewarding!

My day-to-day duties vary depending on the demand of the golf courses. As Head Warden I ensure shifts are planned meticulously to ensure there is cover across all three courses.

Throughout the day the team and I check golfers’ scorecards for payment and ensure every golfer make their start times. We always have someone out on course checking on pace of play. We’ve also introduced a personal introduction and course brief with all of our Golf Societies which has gone down really well. We’re now all first aid trained too!

When I’m at Hoebridge I also enjoy the odd round of golf, a bit of cycling, and sailing.

I thoroughly enjoy coming to work at Hoebridge and I’m proud of my team.

Geoff

BGL Golf

ABBEY HILL’S SAM NORMAN SELECTED FOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ROLE

We have also had some really exciting news within the team. Each year, two apprentice greenkeepers are selected in the UK to be given the opportunity to join the greenkeeping team for a week at the The Open Championship – this year held at Royal Liverpool.

Sam Norman, one of our greenkeepers has been awarded that opportunity! Sam will travel up to The Open the week before the tournament and help with preparing the course, then he’ll join the bunker raking squad who are assigned to each group daily. He may even get the chance to walk up the last hole on Sunday afternoon with the eventual winner. We are thrilled for Sam (and a little jealous). I have asked Sam to complete a diary of his ‘week at The Open’, including pictures, which I will be sharing with you all later in the year.

ABBEY HILL REFURBISHMENT

Abbey Hill phase 1 clubhouse refurbishment is now complete and looking fantastic! Following the successful conversion of the old staff flat into lovely new offices and a staff room in February, the 2 main function rooms, The Fairway Suite and newly named Atrium Suite have had full refurbishments as well as the entrance foyer and meeting room. We have also had new furniture installed. Customers have already commented on the excellent improvements, and we have held our fist 2 weddings in the new rooms!

Adventure Leisure

MULLIGANS BRISTOL COMING SOON!

The latest Mulligans is coming to Bristol early this summer! Adventure Leisure are gearing up to open their 13th Mulligans venue.

This Summer, West Country locals will be bringing their friends and family for an awesome party at Bristol’s craziest activities venue, with two 12-hole bold, bright and wacky crazy golf courses that are perfect for players of all ages and capabilities.

Don’t forget, Shuffleboard is coming to Bristol too! But Mulligans isn't doing this by half. Were adding a real twist to the classic game of shuffleboard with new rebound tables, instensifying the game to a 'hole' new level.

We’re bringing back the epic Mulligans menu of delicious dogs, ‘par’fect pizza, wicked wings and naughty nachos too.

That’s not all! Whatever our players fancy, Mulligans Bristol has them covered! They can electrify a visit with a game of electro-darts, where fast and exciting virtual games and scoring will add a real ‘buzz’ to every player. Alternatively, players can queue up a few drinks and join some mates at the pool tables for some serious competition!

Cocktails, spirits and a wide selection of wine and beer are available for grownups (but we all love a slushie too!).

RICHARD WOOD'S SENIOR LEADER, LEVEL 7 APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCE

I

n September 2021, I enrolled on the Level 7 Strategic Leadership apprenticeship and MSc programme with Newcastle University. Supported by BGL and my mentor Victor Gomes I began my journey into higher education, completing modules which have developed my critical thinking and leadership skills.

Developing my skills, knowledge, and behaviours on the Strategic leadership apprenticeship has given me the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. I have learnt frameworks which have developed my ability to challenge assumptions and perspectives. Understanding my own values has enabled me to interact authentically with my peers, the workforce and senior management. I have been particularly struck by the concept of the triple bottom line setting objectives which supports the business economically, environmentally, and socially. An example of action which has supported the company to achieve long-term sustainable growth is an energy reduction programme I initiated, as reducing energy consumption positively impacts our environment by reducing carbon emissions maximising profits and growth through cost efficiencies.

I have reflexively challenged my approach to the wider workforce and have campaigned for the “living wage” for all employees. I have sought to understand the uniqueness and diversity of our communities, an example of this was learning more about the Muslim faith, and adapting working patterns around Ramadan. Adapting rotas for employees with a

Muslim faith to have evenings off during this period demonstrated how important every employee is and how they are valued by the company.

I am looking forward to the future and have been given the opportunity to assume a position with the BGL sustainability team, where we are aiming to achieve the target of Net-Zero! This unites our actions with UN Sustainability Goal 13 - positively tackling climate change to protect our environment and biodiversity within our communities.

Richard.

Valerie Metcalfe FCMI | MSc | DipLPC | DipCG

International Master Coach – Association of Coaching, Professional Accreditation Mentor

I have had the pleasure of working with Richard since he started his incredible development journey. Together with his work-based mentor Victor Gomes, we provided a critical and supportive, reflective space. The growth of Richard’s strategic leadership knowledge and skills has been palpable. He transitioned a huge learning curve and with his determination, kept on track. A keen and motivated learner, Richard has both the ease and energy to translate theoretical learning into practice. It has been clear; he wants to add value to the organisation. There were many standout moments – his enthusiasm for equality and sustainability issues, impact on the environment and evolving cultures aligned to Adventure Leisure BGL Company are notable. I look forward to hearing how he progresses in future. He is one to watch.

Valerie Metcalfe

Adventure Leisure

CHARITY EVENT - MULLIGANS BOURNEMOUTH

Support Office

an opportunity to showcase our venue to the students of Bournemouth Uni.

On the 28th of February, we began a partnership with a Uni student and her small team, with regards to charity work they were carrying out for an end of year project.

The charity in which they had chosen to support was ‘Educate Uganda’! This non-profit charity focuses on improving the education and learning environments of impoverished children within Uganda. The charity work focuses on the 2.7 Million orphans who are unable to fund their own school fees. The charity work has already helped achieve huge changes within Uganda, such as, new classrooms being provided, student dormitories, water tanks and a vast amount of other substantial changes.

The main reason for the education system problems within Uganda were due to the impact of Covid-19. Unemployment sky-rocketed by 18% and more children were subjected to child trafficking and exploitive labour. The worldwide pandemic also meant 51% of children were not receiving education for two years or more which has now resulted in the sad reality that 5 million students will not return to a classroom.

The biggest reason for children not being able to return to education was due to lack of funding for both students and teachers, which is where the importance of the charity work factors in.

We discussed many options and concluded that potentially hosting their Quiz Night and Raffle (29th March) and an additional event hosted (21st March) within the venue may be just what they needed to be able to really make an impact for this amazing charity. The team and I came together and eventually had an event in mind. A ‘Charity Games Night’.

This night would be an opportunity for all/any BU students to come along to the venue and have use of all our upstairs activities for the evening. We agreed that all ticket entry prices of £5.00 would go straight to Educate Uganda. This also meant on the night the team could also have the opportunity to sell more raffle tickets and quiz night tickets to help fundraising.

By the day of the event, we had sold all tickets however still had further interest on the night. It was clear the event was a huge success. Although the main focus for all of this was to raise money for ‘Educate Uganda’ it also gave us

Moving forward to the quiz night, all tickets were sold, and we again were at full capacity of 72 people. Throughout the quiz people continually bought raffle tickets.

Reaching the very rewarding end to both events, we assessed how much we had raised and what impact we had on ‘Educate Uganda’ and we are happy to say we raised enough money to sponsor 13 children for a years’ worth of education and the funding will also support the improvements of 27 schools across Uganda. The total raised for all events was £743.00!

WORCESTER MULLIGANS

Earlier this year, we supported St Richards Hospice by hosting a 100-person shotgun golf competition which raised £2453.25, this type of fundraising is crucial to maintain the amazing work they do with people and their families through the toughest of times.

This month, we have supported our team member Michael McCourt who ran the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of Brain Research UK - a charity which is very dear to him and his family. The whole team got behind Michael volunteering to work on his cake stall and creating Tik Toks to promote it. Well done Michael, a great achievement and your cakes were delicious! Michael Raised over £2K for Brain Research UK. Being in the privileged position to support local charities and our own people is a truly rewarding part of our job!

Support Office

MENTAL HEALTH - WHY BEING CREATIVE IS GOOD FOR YOU

Expressing yourself through means of creative outlets can really help when you may be struggling with personal issues. Being creative can increase positive emotions, reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety, improve your mood, and even affect how your brain works.

Here are just some creative top tips:

• Drawing/Painting

• Singing

• Baking

• Gardening

• Puzzles

• Decorating

• Create a scrapbook of all the positive memories or things in your life

THE 30-DAY CHALLENGE

Did you:

• Use a simple ‘to-do’ list to get your day off to a productive start?

• Have a bath with Epsom salts to relax your muscles and sooth your mind?

• Do a sudoku to ‘train your brain’?

April was Stress Awareness Month, and every day a ‘challenge’ was emailed to colleagues to encourage us to better look after our physical, mental and emotional health.

It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits, which is why it was a month-long programme. If you didn’t quite manage to take part during the month of April, it’s not too late! Search ‘The 30-Day Challenge’ in The Academy.

INTERNAL PROMOTIONS STACEY ROLLAND

Stacey Rolland from Mulligans Basildon has joined the marketing team as part of a 6-month programme to help support the growth of the Adventure Leisure & Ninja Leisure Divisions.

“I am super grateful to have been given the opportunity to further my skills and knowledge within Adventure Leisure ltd. My recent promotion has allowed me to give my creative side the care it deserves again, meet new colleagues, and display my adaptability.

“I’ve also had a huge amount of fun completing my InDesign online training, I’ve managed to work on leaflets, roller banners, brochures and I look forward to diving further into the creative cloud! I might even be able to photoshop my selfies one day…

“Both Marketing teams (BGL&AL) have welcomed me with the biggest of smiles; I really couldn’t have asked for a more seamless transition into my dual role, thank you!

“I’m excited to see what 2023/2024 brings for Adventure Leisure, to play my part, in the company’s growth.” commented Stacey.

ALEX BAGULEY

Below is a pic our Chef De Partie at the The Shropshire GC Alex Baguley who has recently completed his production Chef NVQ Level 2

Support Office

KIAN GRAYSON

At Ninja Sheffield, Kian Grayson has been promoted to supervisor. Kian has come in and worked really hard to go from general assistant to team member and has now just been promoted to supervisor!

MATT WILKINSON

Matt Wilkinson, Ninja Warrior Sheffield's general assistant and part host has recently launched his own company within the acting and theatre industry called Resound Theatre - they’re a physical and visual theatre company and will be running this alongside his work with us. Gaining microfinance grant from Santander as well.

MARK HOGGINS

Assistant Greenkeeper to Assistant Gym Manager Hoebridge Golf Centre

Mark first joined Hoebridge in 2016 as a Personal Trainer. However, in 2020, when restrictions meant he was unable to train as much due to Covid he left to continue growing his own Personal Training business from the comfort of his own home.

Once restrictions were lifted Mark returned to Hoebridge on a part time basis as an Assistant Greenkeeper, alongside his Personal Training from home. He did a brilliant job within the Greenkeeping team, helping to move the standards of the Golf Course even further forwards.

In April 2023 an opportunity arose for Mark to return to the Gym as our Assistant Gym Manager. Marks enthusiasm and energy for growing our membership and personal training opportunities was great to see. His knowledge from his time already spent at Hoebridge together with what he had learnt from running his own business meant he had all the experience we were looking for to be promoted to our Assistant Gym Manager.The Golf Courses loss will be the Gyms gain.

GAVIN FIELD

Senior Sous Chef to Head Chef

Hoebridge Golf Centre

Gavin joined Hoebridge as our Senior Sous Chef in January 2022. He quickly established himself as a senior member of the team and brought with him lots of ideas such as new fresh daily specials.

When our Head Chef left in November 2022 Gavin stepped up to the mark and lead the kitchen whilst we were recruiting. He took the reigns and ensured standards and service continued like normal. During this time Gavin began to make improvements to how the kitchen was managed, furthered his fresh daily specials, and showed real passion for taking the F&B department at Hoebridge forwards.

It soon became clear that out next Head Chef was already with us!

CREATE THE FUTURE

BGL are celebrating ‘Learning at Work Week’, 15th to 21st May, with the theme: CREATE THE FUTURE

Short courses on the following subjects will be available in The Academy from May 15th:

• Developing a Growth Mindset

• Defining Your Core Values

• Understanding and L everaging Your Strengths

• W hat is Career Development, And How Can You Drive Your Career?

• Matching Your Career To Your Interests

• How To Create A Career Development Plan

• Increasing Your Value At Work

• Taking Control Of Your Personal Brand At Work

• Receiving Feedback

• Seeking Feedback

• Choose Your Track – Manager Or Individual Contributor?

• How To Transfer Jobs Within Your Company

• W hat To Do When You Are Feeling Unmotivated

• Preparing For Your Performance Review