iSportconnect CEO & Founder Sree Varma Shortlisted for Great British Entrepreneur Award

iSportconnect Founder and CEO Sree Varma’s hard work and dedication has been recognised by The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, generic who have shortlisted Sree for the Social Media Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Sree launched iSportconnect after years of experience working in the sports business industry. He had grown frustrated at the lack of a quality platform that unified all of the functions and tools required by those in the industry and iSportconnect went live for the first time in June 2010.

iSportconnect has since grown into the world’s largest private network for sports business professionals. The company continues to grow, capsule hosting popular exclusive events around the world and successfully launching iSportconnect TV, the industry’s first online TV channel, last week.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards will be held in London on 19th November, when the winners will be announced.

Sree Varma said: “I’m incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Social Media Entrepreneur of the Year Award and would like to thank all of the iSportconnect team for their excellent work and support. These are very exciting times for iSportconnect, we have just launched iSportconnect TV and have more big announcements planned in the near future.”

The awards, set to take place on 19 November, will see the great and good of British entrepreneurship being acknowledged and celebrated in an exclusive ‘red carpet’ event. In addition, a further three Bizcrowd events in association with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards will be taking place across the UK during Global Entrepreneurship Week (18 – 24 November), and an exclusive networking event announcing the shortlisted entrants will occur in October

For more information on the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

FIA and Cheerleading Join SportAccord

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Cheer Union (ICU) have been elected as members of SportAccord, buy the international umbrella organisation for Olympic and non-Olympic federations.

The SportAccord General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of the FIA’s inclusion at the SportAccord Convention in St Petersburg, order Russia last week, where the motor sport federation received 95% of the votes.

FIA President Jean Todt said: “Thanks you very much for your confidence. We are delighted to become members of SportAccord and promise to work with you all moving so we can all provide benefits for each other.”

Long overdue

Todt’s delight at being added to SportAccord was echoed by motorsport sponsorship expert Brian Sims, who also said the news was ‘long overdue.’

Sims told iSportconnect: “I think that the decision for the FIA to join SportAccord is long overdue. For too many years motorsport has isolated itself from other international sports.

“There are times when it seemed like a dinosaur compared to many other sports in recognising that the world has changed and that the needs of sponsors have changed accordingly.”

Cheerleading honoured

Meanwhile the ICU , which was founded in 2004  were also delighted to be a part of SportAccord.

President Jeff Webb commented: “This is a real hour for us to become part of SportAccord.

“We are very humbled and looking forward to working with all our new partners.”

IMG & Amsterdam Arena Appointed Qatar 2022 Stadium Operations Consultants

The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has appointed IMG and the Amsterdam Arena as Stadium Operations Consultants of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The two organisations will assist in developing business cases for all World Cup 2022 stadiums, cheap stadium precincts and training sites. They will also asses operational aspects of the venues at the design stage for areas including catering and commercial strategies, pitch and building maintenance and safety and security.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General for the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, said: “We are looking forward to working together closely with these two extremely professional partners, who between them have invaluable experience in stadium operation in some of the most significant sporting sites across the globe.

“The appointment of Amsterdam Arena and IMG is crucial in delivering an outstanding 2022 FIFA World Cup. We are thereby placing a key focus on an amazing fan and player experience in all our stadium.”

Henk Markerink, CEO of Amsterdam ArenA, added: “I am impressed by the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee’s ambitious and professional approach to the organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and I feel a shared commitment to make the World Cup in Qatar an amazing event with a great legacy to Qatar and the world. We are very honoured and pleased to be part of the Q22 team. By involving us in this early stage and letting us develop the Program Wide Strategies on various subjects we can optimally contribute to the organization of the World Cup”.

Iain Barnett, Vice President, from IMG’s Stadium Group, said: “IMG is honoured to have been selected to support the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on its ambition for an amazing World Cup.  We are delighted that the perspective of stadium operators has been integrated at such an early stage of the development process which is vital not only for successful delivery of the tournament but also a sustainable legacy.”

Exclusive: WRU Consider Artificial Pitch in Cost Saving Measure

By Steve Moorhouse

The CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), bronchi Roger Lewis, pharmacy has confirmed that an artificial pitch is being considered for Millennium Stadium because it would save £250, help 000.

However, Lewis confirmed that the artificial pitch was not the only option and no decision would be made that would adversely affect the rugby being played at Millennium Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Lewis said: “The reason why we are considering such a radical move for an international rugby stadium is because we use the stadium for a range of other activities.

“As well as other sporting activities we also have rock concerts, so the demands on the pitch are considerable and if we can avoid having to take the pitch out and then bring it back in, we  would save a minimum of a quarter of a million pounds. Laying an artificial pitch is roughly half a million pounds which is obviously a considerable cost saving.”

Lewis went on to add: “Our principle criterion for making the decision will be how it impacts on the sport. We have to be absolutely confident that international rugby can be played on an artificial pitch in such a way that doesn’t affect the game and has no adverse impact on the players.

“I’d emphasise that we wouldn’t do anything with the pitch without first discussing it with all of our stakeholders.”

Lewis arrived as CEO of the WRU in 2006 and was well aware of problems with the pitch. Changes were made that allowed the pitch to be laid once a year instead of three.

Now the WRU are considering three options; to keep the pitch how it is, to move for an artificial pitch or to use a Desso, dual hybrid pitch.

The Desso pitch is used at Twickenham and a number of regional rugby sides in Wales.

To read the full Featured Profile interview with Roger Lewis, click here >>

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Exide Technologies neuer „Official Partner“ von BMW Motorsport.

Die langjährige Partnerschaft zwischen der BMW Group und Exide Technologies, here einem der weltweit größten Hersteller und Recycler von Bleisäurebatterien, clinic wird 2012 auch auf den Motorsport ausgeweitet: Exide ist in der Comeback-Saison von BMW in der DTM als „Official Partner BMW Motorsport“ prominent vertreten.

Das Exide Logo wird auf allen BMW M3 DTM Rennwagen sowie auf den Fahrerhelmen und -overalls zu sehen sein. Darüber hinaus trägt eines der sechs Fahrzeuge das Exide Branding auf der Fahrer- und Beifahrertür. Seit vielen Jahren produziert Exide Technologies Premium-Batterien für BMW. Seit 2007 liefert Exide zudem innovative AGM-Batterien mit absorbierenden Glasfasern für das BMW EfficientDynamics Technologiepaket sowie seine Start-Stop-Technologie. In den AGM-Batterien von Exide kommt modernste Technologie zum Einsatz und sorgt für optimale Performance.

„Wir freuen uns sehr, dass wir einen langjährigen Partner der BMW Group für unser DTM-Projekt begeistern konnten“, sagt BMW Motorsport Direktor Jens Marquardt. „Exide Technologies ist ein erfolgreicher Global Player und hat sich mit Innovationskraft und Leistungsbereitschaft eine führende Position in der Branche erarbeitet. Mit diesen Werten können wir uns bei BMW Motorsport sehr gut identifizieren.“

Michael Ostermann, President von Exide Technologies Europe, meint: „Wir sind stolz, BMW Motorsport bei seiner Rückkehr in die DTM zu begleiten. Dies ist die Fortsetzung einer langen und erfolgreichen Partnerschaft zwischen BMW und Exide Technologie. Wir fiebern einer spannenden Saison 2012 entgegen.“

Senior Website Manager – The FA

Location: London, doctor UK

Closing Date: 11th September 

Overview:

To lead and assume overall responsibility for the day-to-day running and management of all content on TheFA.com, ensuring the correct tone of voice is applied to all communications

Key responsibilities include:

  • – Lead the day-to-day content management including process implementation and delivery of TheFA.com ensuring it is always fresh, relevant, up-to-date and accurate across all business divisions
  • – Act as the chief sub-editor for The FA’s Digital Communications team, ensuring the correct tone of voice and style is applied to all communications, including web, e-mail marketing and print
  • – Assume full responsibility for editing and signing off all e-mail marketing communications
  • – Assist in creating, developing and activating content strategies across FA Group digital and print channels with the Head of Digital Communications, Senior Digital Producer and Senior Video Manager
  • – Manage external agencies such as Haymarket and Sportsbeat and sourcing and commissioning content that meets FA editorial requirements
  • – Manage the Digital team’s rota as well as third party contributors to ensure appropriate cover is in place to update the website out of standard office hours
  • – Use digital tools such as Google Analytics to report performance of content back to the wider business
  • – Produce fresh ideas and techniques to improve The FA Group’s digital offerings and maximise their potential
  • – Manage the web editor and other contributors as necessary
  • – Execute additional tasks as required in order to meet FA Group changing priorities

What we are looking for:

Essential skills include:

  • – Possess excellent writing skills, first and foremost editorially but with a good understanding of marketing and commercial copy
  • – Strong knowledge of football, in particular the England teams, FA tournaments and grassroots football
  • – Significant experience working in the media or communications industry
  • – Comfortable working on a seven-day rota (five shifts per week) and leading the team when necessary
  • – Experience working on sensitive matters surrounding governance, equality and senior level and executive management of stakeholders in a high profile organisation
  • – Strong understanding of SEO
  • – Excellent news sense
  • – Willingness to innovate and embrace new technology
  • – Line management experience

Desirable skills include:

  • – Experience of working on the sports desk of a national newspaper or leading sports magazine/website is preferable, especially in a sub-editing or news-editing capacity
  • – Excellent understanding of what makes a great sport website
  • – Strong contacts book – particularly in football journalism and the wider media industry – including PR
  • – Agency management experience
  • – Good understanding of Women’s football
  • – Strong understanding of social media and a demonstrated ability using it
  • – Good understanding of video

How to apply

Click to apply HERE

Titanbet sign deal with Matchroom Sport

Leading UK sportsbook Titanbet.co.uk have secured a  deal with Matchroom boxing to sponsor, Josh Warrington against Hisashi Amagasa, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on April 16th, 2016.

Russell Yershon, UK Sports Manager for Titanbet.co.uk, was keen to stress the magnitude of the deal.

Yershon said: “We are proud to partner with Matchroom boxing for this super fight night. It will be a great event which is live on Sky Sports 1 and with the huge live crowd to cheer on their local lad. It’s going to be a tough night for Amagasa and it’s clear from looking at the odds that many expect Josh to take that next step towards a world title fight.

“We’ll also be offering our customers exclusive deals for the event, including money-can’t-buy ringside tickets for a huge night of action.”

 

Rugby World Cup 2015 Boosts ITV Revenues

UK broadcaster ITV has revealed a 13% rise in revenue for the nine months to the end of September, price order largely down to sales generated through the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

ITV confirmed revenues of £2 billion, up from £1.4 billion the previous year.

Full story HERE.

Derby County Chairman Morris Completes Takeover

English Championship club Derby County have officially been taken over by chairman Mel Morris after buying out the club’s American owners.

Morris purchased a 22% stake in the club in May 2014 and was named chairman in May 2015, but now becomes the sole owner. 

Full story HERE.

 

Telegraph Business of Sport Conference 2015 Announces Final Speakers Ahead of 13th May Launch

Conference will discuss ‘quantifying and delivering success for brands, physician rights-holders and broadcasters’ and will take place 13-14 May at the BT Centre in the City of London.

Telegraph Business Events is delighted to announce the final line up of speakers and partners ahead of the inaugural Telegraph Business of Sport Conference. Jim White, decease The Telegraph’s respected sports columnist will be chairing the conference.

Newly confirmed speakers include Richard Arnold, view Group Managing Director, Manchester United; Nuala Walsh, Global Head of Relationship Management & Marketing, Standard Life Investments; Sue Thearle, TV and Radio Sports presenter; Simon Green, Head of BT Sport; Rob Bloom, Group Head of Digital; McLaren and Matthew Carter, CEO, Lotus F1 team.

Sir Ben Ainslie will be the speaker at an exclusive BT drinks reception for a selected audience at the BT Tower on the second day of the conference, 14th May. Jake Humphrey will interview Sir Ben Ainslie about his plans to be the first British sailor to win the America’s Cup in the race’s 163 year history.

In addition to BT Sport, which is the Principal Partner of the event, Standard Life Investments has been confirmed as a Gold Sponsor. Supponor, the sports media and technology company, and Populous, the global sports architecture and design firm are also sponsoring the event.

Jim White, Sports Columnist, The Telegraph, said: “The Telegraph’s Business of Sport conference is the best opportunity you will get this year to meet, listen to and question the key stakeholders and decision makers in the business of sport.” 

Other confirmed speakers include Lord Coe, CH, KBE, Chairman, CSM; John Petter, CEO, BT Consumer; Sally Bolton OBE, Managing Director, London 2017 World Athletics Championships; Barbara Slater, Director of Sport, BBC; Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director, Jaguar Land Rover; Guy-Laurent Epstein, Director of Marketing, UEFA; Brian Cookson OBE, President, Union Cycliste Internationale; and Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship + Events, HSBC.

Speakers will demonstrate how they have maximised the success of sporting events, boosted results, improved legacy benefits and increased audience participation. Case studies, panel sessions and in-depth interviews will provide insight from outstanding industry experts on issues that are relevant to the industry.

To book a place please visit: www.telegraph.co.uk/bos or contact Soosyan Eng, Marketing Manager:soosyan.eng@telegraph.co.uk / +44 2079313986