16
GOVERNANCE
MIDDLESEX CRICKET: THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 Laura Angus, Head of Commercial, addresses several current issues of Middlesex Cricket. She speaks about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, praises the ECB for their support, approaches steps the club have taken to minimise costs and also the future of domestic cricket. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected Middlesex Cricket and what have you been doing to keep the club moving forward? “Similar to the entire sports industry, the pandemic stopped us from playing cricket which is ultimately what we exist to do. It inhibited our ability to deliver training and match experience to our players; deliver value to our members and sponsors; and to deliver cricket to the community of Middlesex. We have continued to work through the everchanging landscape focussing on how we could deliver cricket and ultimately, value to our key stakeholders. During lockdown, we found a new normal. From April, Middlesex staff and players would usually spend most days at Lord’s with members, fans and sponsors present to support us on the pitch. This year, with everyone working remotely, staff worked and socialised through Zoom, players trained independently and took part in virtual yoga sessions while as a business, we took the time to realign our strategy. ISSUE TWELVE ★ SEPTEMBER 2020
“Now that cricket is back, albeit behind closed doors, our focus remains on delivering value to our members through exclusive content and an enhanced live stream of our matches whilst also finding ways to redistribute the value our sponsors have lost due to COVID-19. What has become clear through this time is that Middlesex is a club full of great people; staff and players who have adapted with the business and; sponsors and members whose unwavering support continues to help us through this uncertain time.” What has the ECB been doing to support its clubs? “The ECB have been working tirelessly to support cricket at every level; from deciphering and implementing the various government restrictions, to open communication with all First Class County CEOs and all the club’s departments to collaborate and support wherever possible. Particularly
