English rugby union club Gloucester Rugby have announced a profit for the fifth consecutive year for the period until June 30th 2015.
The club increased turnover by 21.3% over the previous year and recorded a profit of £286, order cheap | 026.
More info HERE.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club has confirmed the appointment of Mark McCafferty to the Club’s Management Board as a Non-Executive Director.
McCafferty is Chief Executive of Premier Rugby Limited and was formerly Chief Executive of Avis Europe plc.
More info HERE.
In this week’s social media roundup, price we take a look at Instagram’s tests to enable users to switch accounts and Twitter’s incorporation of video auto-play.
We also look into Facebook’s new feature to make sure users never miss an interesting post and Snapchat’s launch of ‘Story Explorer’. Additionally, anabolics we reveal the most searched for term in Britain in 2015.
Could we see account switching on Instagram soon?
Instagram is testing a feature to enable people to switch between multiple accounts directly in the app. Select members in Instagram’s official ‘beta testing group for Android’ spotted the option in their accounts last week.
This feature will save users who access more than one account the hassle of having to log out and sign back in each time they want to switch accounts.
It appears that the new option can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the Settings page in Instagram and selecting ‘Add Account’.
After the account has been added, medic users can then switch between accounts using a new option that will appear at the top left of the screen on the user profile page. A green pop-up banner notification will confirm the account switch.
This feature has been a long time coming, as Twitter users have been switching between accounts in a similar manner since 2013.
This will not only benefit those whose jobs require them to maintain different accounts such as social media managers.
It will also benefit Instagram’s younger user base where account switching between a ‘real Instagram’ with polished images and a ‘finstagram’ – teenage slang for ‘fake instagram’, filled with photos only for the eyes of close friends, is a common activity.
It is unclear when this feature will be rolled out to all users and Instagram may consider trialling different means of offering this option before committing to a public release.
Twitter follows suit with auto-play
Last week, Twitter finally followed suit from other social networks, such as Facebook, in launching native video auto-play. This means that users can watch full-screen Twitter videos and GIFs without having to open a new app or page.
This feature is available on IOS apps and will be rolled out for Android users soon. Twitter hopes this will offer an easier experience for users and keep more people on the platform instead of being taken to another site.
Poll results – Virtual Reality takes the crown as ‘one to watch’ in 2016
In a recent poll we asked digital enthusiasts which area should rights holders and brands be paying most attention to in 2016. Virtual Reality came top of the list with 41% of the vote, closely followed by E-sports/ E-gaming with 35%.
Missed a friend’s birthday? Facebook tests tool to notify users about posts they have missed
Some users have reported seeing notifications of posts from a few days before, showing that Facebook is testing a new feature to notify users of posts it thinks they will not want to miss seeing.
Additionally, when some users visit a friend’s timeline on their mobile, they are shown a post they missed along with an invitation to view another friend with newer content.
The most popular search term in Britain in 2015 has been revealed as ‘the Rugby World Cup’
According to Yahoo, the most popular search term of 2015 was ‘the Rugby World Cup’, followed by ‘the Duchess of Cambridge’, ‘Eastenders’ and ex Top Gear presenter, ‘Jeremy Clarkson’. ‘Wimbledon’ also featured in the top ten.
Yahoo UK editor Nick Petche stated:
“Despite England not making it out of the group stages, the UK has been gripped with Rugby World Cup fever this year, as it was the most-searched item on Yahoo in 2015”.
Snapchat launches a new ‘single time / place’ experience with new ‘Story Explorer’
Last week, Snapchat launched a new tool within their Live Stories called ‘Story Explorer’, which enables users to look at all of the snaps from one moment.
The idea is to enable users to see similar snaps from a single moment instead of seeing lots of different, unrelated moments grouped together by a larger theme.
For example, as explained by the ‘Story Explorer’ promotional video below, if users see a snap they are interested in, they can simply swipe up to explore the moment from every angle.
Visit the WePlay website HERE and follow WePlay on Twitter HERE.
International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) president Seb Coe has admitted that the sport’s credibility is on the line after the doping report released by the Independent Commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday.
The WADA report recommended the IAAF to ban the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) from competition following the results of its investigation.
Coe has given the ARAF until the end of the week to respond to WADA report.
Speaking via conference call, Coe said: “The allegations are deeply shocking and alarming and I accept that the sport’s credibility is on the line.”
The IAAF president has also said he is prepared to deal the criticism that is coming his way for the organisation’s handling of doping accusations.
Earlier this year Coe described accusations of doping as a “declaration of war” following the report by German broadcaster ARD.
Explaining those comments in an interview with UK broadcaster Channel 4, Coe said: “Those words I used referred to the selective use of data to besmirch the reputation of clean athletes. It was never criticism of any news or media group.
“I actively welcomed the (Russian) investigation (by German broadcaster ARD) and made the point at the time that if they did not trust the organisation (IAAF), to hand over the information to Wada.”
When he was named president in August, Coe praised the work of outgoing president Lamine Diack, who is now facing criminal charges for taking bribes to cover up the doping involving the Russians.
“I recognise that I am going to come in for some criticism,” Coe added. “But as Dick Pound actually said, I share his sentiments, I’m completely shocked.
“Dick Pound said very clearly that this was not IAAF policy — it was rogue individuals who have infiltrated the IAAF and if there are failings in our governance or our anti-doping programme I will fix them.”
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Entries Are Now Open For This Year’s Tournament
The Football Business Awards has quickly become established as the annual industry celebration – uniting to reward the critical role played by businesses that work off the pitch, in creating the rich and diverse experience that football is today.
Each year the category awards are fiercely contested with increased entrant numbers bringing annually raised benchmarks of quality. We are expecting no less excitement this year.
The competition for 2015 is now open. The competition culminates in a fantastic evening awards ceremony at Stamford Bridge on the 5th November.
Last year’s finale ceremony was attended by over 500 of the game’s top business leaders and decision makers; showing how important the Awards are considered in the industry calendar.
We are anticipating similar numbers again this year as again we honour and award the very best businesses in Football.
The Award categories embrace a wide spectrum: from small business to companies posting multi-million turnovers; stadium management to family caterers; media and technology to club sponsors and community outreach.
There is a category in which everyone can showcase their individual success, passion, innovation and positive impact. We are delighted that this year’s judging panel retains much of its venerable business talent from previous tournaments, bolstered by the welcome addition of new names such as Katrien Meire, CEO of Charlton FC; Ben Wright, Commercial Director of the Football League, and Neil Bausor, CEO of Middlesboro FC.
Here are a few reasons for winning – given by those that have won in the past:
“Shortly after the award we won the contract to develop Norwich City FC’s retail website, which went live last month and is the first responsively designed eCommerce site in the Premiership. I have no doubt that being an award winner in the Football Business Awards directly contributed to this success.” Paul Doherty – Sales and Marketing Director, PureNet
“Without a doubt the award has further enhanced our credentials within the football service industry, whether dealing with existing clients or future prospects.” Steve McGuinness – Managing Director, Bluefin Sport
“The biggest benefit for us is being able to use the award internally to recognise a group of talented individuals, and of course celebrate their success. Does success motivate them and other people within the business? I believe it does.” Russell Jones – Head of Marketing and Communications, Aston Villa Football Club
Whether you are seeking – staff motivation and retention, the Winner’s Marque to display on your products and promotions, or independent client validation of your ranking high above the competition – then winning an Award can assist your mission.
Entries are now open and must be submitted by July 15th 2015, the cost to enter is £195 plus vat
For more information, competition entry or to register your interest in the awards ceremony, www.footballbusinessawards.com
Mobile technology has revolutionized the way fans watch and interact with sports. Once bound to the television and computer, sport has become something that can be taken with fans wherever they go.
Therefore, both marketing and communication trends, around sports, are shifting with the technology and enhanced interconnectivity.
Subsequently, mobile monetisation is becoming more of a reality for sports and entertainment companies, as new and powerful tools roll out into the marketplace.
What many marketers love about mobile, as an advertising channel, is its appealing elements such as immediacy, cost effectiveness, increased engagement, and reach.
The winners of mobile monetisation will be the brands that invest in building relevant and useful services for fans and partners.
In order to have effective and successful mobile marketing campaigns, sports and entertainment companies must have the strategies and technologies that drive engagement and revenues, including relevant information sharing to convert attendees to fans and fans to customers.
But which trends will drive sports? How is relevance ensured? What do the fans want? And what can you do to gain their attention? There are many questions to be answered before a complete sports marketing strategy can be implemented.
FACTS
– In 2015, UK media ad spend on mobile will reach 22% (£3.6Bn) of total £16.2Bn media spend. In 2018, spend on mobile will almost double that of TV.
– 83% of sports fans say they check social networks while watching games
– Out of 31M sport fans in Spain, 47% attend a sport event at least once a year.
– During the last SuperBowl, AT&T registered 624GB of traffic data (1.8 million social media interactions) and 55,000 calls during the final.
– 87% of sports fans check up on their favorite teams at all times, including social events.
– 53% percent of sports fans use a tablet or smartphone to access online sports content while watching sports on TV.
THE NEXT LEVEL OF FAN ENGAGEMENT
ADDING RELEVANCE TO THE MARKETING
In order to be successful in the mobile marketing space, sports and entertainment companies must differentiate the marketing experience. However, mobile marketing is not just about harnessing the latest technology; it is also about captivating an experience.
Today’s social consumers are ready for anything and everything mobile and especially today’s sport fans are perhaps the best recipients for a new style of marketing.
From the excessive overall marketing, the primary trend is towards localisation, contextual information and personalisation. People are simply exposed too much to marketing messages that are not relevant to them. In order to establish a working relationship with a fan, relevance is the key to success.
Such relevant solutions could help to build traffic before and after the event to selected restaurants, official stores etc., give out restricted promotions or even venue alerts concerning access updates etc.
These kinds of solutions give the fan a sense of appreciation, promote the brand message as it will be noticed and build a more coherent community of the club, fans and sponsors.
With the Internet, mobile devices, social media and apps, technology has forever changed the way sports fans watch and engage with the sports they follow. The winners in this mobile marketing race understand the importance of relevant messaging to gain attention. Clubs must be willing to experiment, and find models that give value to fans.
It is an ongoing quest where contextual communication is proving to provide the best results.
5 KEY TAKE AWAYS
– Keep fans engaged regardless of where they are viewing the match by implementing personalised, contextual marketing.
– Adapt your message to the conditions and mood of your potential customers, based on the result and/or match events.
– Create a real feeling among your audiences and the momentum of passion with relevant commercial approaches.
– Connect the brands with fans, that otherwise do not receive any other direct commercial relationship with brands other than outdoor advertisements.
– Increase fan loyalty by giving valuable information, learn, and improve.
Rami Alanko, CEO, Beemray
Rami Alanko started off his career as a musician, songwriter and producer. Within a decade he sold multiplatinum albums with his band, and wrote over 200 songs. Later he has founded a number of technology companies, the most recent, a leading online video platform with customers including HBO, BEin SPORTS, Nokia, Telefonica, and hundreds of others. Beemray, his latest adventure, is an intelligent technology analysing online and real-life data, providing tools for automated personalised marketing.
Rami’s 
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By Christian Radnedge
The cost of transforming London’s Olympic Stadium for its post-Games life has risen to £272m, pilule the London Legacy Development Corporation announced this week.
The stadium, cough which was the centrepiece of the London 2012 Olympic Games, is to be turned into a multi-sport and entertainment venue – but will be primarily used by Premier League football club West Ham United who move into the ground next year at the start of a 99-year lease.
When the deal was first announced, the transformation cost was quoted to be £154m.
However last year the LLDC admitted that figure would rise due to the difficulties that the contractor Balfour Beatty was experiencing with the world’s largest cantilevered roof and retractable seating.
The 21,000 moveable seating area is to cover the athletics track which is needed for the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships which will be hosted in the venue.
Despite the high costs involved – to which West Ham will only be liable for a £15m contribution on top of an annual £2.5m – the LLDC proudly boast that the arena will be “the only stadium in the UK to meet UEFA Category 4 classification and be a fully compliant IAAF Category 1 athletics facility.”
The stadium will also play host to five Rugby World Cup matches later this year.
Originally, the Olympic Stadium was meant to be a temporary venue when London was bidding to host the Games and was priced at £280m.
The latest announcement means that the whole cost of the stadium has risen to £701m.
However, it is very much a permanent fixture in London – part of the urban regeneration in the eastern sector which the government hopes will deliver over £3bn of economic benefit.
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been named as the richest athlete in the world in the 2015 Forbes List of The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes.
With earnings of $300 million, the boxer earned $140m more than his closest rival, his opponent in the ‘fight of the century’, Manny Pacquaio. The pair made over $100m each from last month’s fight in Las Vegas.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Roger Federer make up the top 5.
Full story HERE.
The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) Europe has signed a ground-breaking Letter of Intent with the European Commission signalling its commitment to play a leading role in the European Week of Sport 2015.
ICSS Europe joined influential sports organisations including UEFA, sale EPFL, sickness FIFPro, European Olympic Committees, Special Olympics and others at the European Union Sport Forum in Milan to show support for the inaugural event which is taking place in September 2015.
The European Week of Sport 2015, which is an initiative of the former European Commissioner for Sport Androulla Vassiliou, was launched earlier this year as a result of a Eurobarometer survey on sport and physical activity that showed almost 60% of European Union citizens never or seldom exercise or play sport.
Throughout the week the European Commission will coordinate events and activities across Europe with the help of international sporting bodies, such as ICSS Europe, and individual EU member nations with the aim of promoting exercise and sport at all levels.
As part of its commitment, ICSS Europe has pledged to help organise and participate in a series of events aimed at promoting sports positive values during the Week.
This will include the organisation of a landmark international conference at the European Parliament on “Sport, Human Rights and Youth”, the staging of a photographic exhibition, which will run alongside the conference and the development of a Charter on Youth Sports Development.
In a letter to ICSS Europe CEO, Emanuel Medeiros, Tibor Navracsics, European Union Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, said: “I am delighted to invite the International Centre for Sport Security to participate and contribute to the European Week of Sport in 2015.
“This cooperation should lead toward closer promotion of the social role of sport and should help enhance participation in sport and physical activity. Let us join efforts to encourage EU citizens to be more active, more engage, and more alert to their health and well-being.
“Over the past years, the ICSS has made a valuable contribution to developing the European dimension in sport and I would be pleased to see us working closely together to make the 2015 European Week of Sport a success.”
Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President, said: “The involvement of the ICSS in this groundbreaking agreement demonstrates our commitment to developing close ties with the EU institutions, government organisations and other influential bodies in order to tackle issues which affect the safety, security and integrity of sport.
“We believe the European Week of Sport will offer a vital platform from which to promote not only the participation and involvement of people in sport and exercise but also to highlight the need to protect sport against the critical challenges it faces in Europe and around the world and, in doing so, help preserve the high ethical standards and the core values of sport.”
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of ICSS Europe, said: “This is an important milestone for ICSS Europe and the whole of the ICSS, as well as the European Commission.
“In one of the most challenging and turbulent times for Europe and sport, this initiative heralds, in framework of mutual recognition and in a very meaningful way, the beginning of a new and positive cycle of close cooperation between the European Commission and some of Europe’s leading sports organisations, including the ICSS Europe.
“We are therefore delighted to be involved in such a significant way with the inaugural European Week of Sport and would like to thank the European Commission for acknowledging our credentials and vital role.
“The European Commission, as well as the European Parliament and the EU Member States, can count on us. As we count on all of them to join us at the forefront of the fight for a safe, secure and clean sport across the continent and worldwide. This is an urgent priority and an indeclinable duty.”
Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Ortho will become the anchor partner on the No. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) entry driven by two-time NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle in 2015.
“I am thrilled to have Ortho on board, abortion ” said Biffle.
“I spend a great deal of time outside and do a lot of work on my home myself, and I understand how important their products can be.
“They have a great history and it will be an honour to have a brand of their stature and reputation on our No. 16 Ford Fusion moving forward.”
Ortho will feature on the No. 16 car next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will appear on the car for two more races this season before becoming the anchor partner in 2015.
“Roush Fenway Racing, Greg Biffle and the No. 16 Ford are a natural partner for Ortho,” said Mike Sutterer, Vice President of Ortho and Regional Marketing.
“Like Ortho, Greg and Roush Fenway Racing have a long history of success, including being number one.
“We feel Greg and his crew will enable us to engage with fans and highlight our great brand.
“Needless to say, our entire team is excited to see the new car on the starting grid and in victory lane.”