bigeddiechek

What are the KPIs like for that? Purely out of interest, I have not idea what they are for this type of advertising.

It's not a case of that. I am merely try to put a bit of perspective into this. It isn't just a case of knocking on doors, and - of course - everyone involved who has contacts will have asked the question. It is a very difficult thing to obtain at the moment. There have been several brochure and pitching materials produced in the past. With sponsorship you really need an in through someone with an established relationship. Even then, as I have mentioned, the sport needs to have a fit with the target demographic. That is a tough one for speedway to match up with, unfortunately. Just so you folks aren't getting the idea that I think I have some multitude of business contacts. The one I am referring to owns two global booze brands. Yes, I did put the question to their European Brand Director, but their 12 month strategy is based on the aspirational/lifestyle angle. So, as you can imagine, speedway isn't exactly the right fit for their brands. If they were focused on motorsports, it would have been a different situation and they could have allocated a small part of their budget towards speedway. If you don't ask, though. I notice that Perrymans are sponsoring the Under 19 meeting, which is fantastic. Clearly people within the club are working on these things, contrary to all the expert belief on here...

You're right, it needs a hell of a lot more than 5 new fans. The future of Berwick has been precarious since Peter's days. I desperately don't want to lose it. That is why I am so strongly against all the cheap shots that get fired at the promotions over the years. I don't know why people do it, and as I've said many times before, they need to be careful what they wish for. It does a lot of unseen damage

Speculate to accumulate? Yes, I agree it is good Sky are coming back, it does make good business sense to offer a special promotion with this particular event. It creates a wider appeal, hopefully helps with a decent crowd - which adds to the atmosphere, and therefore has more chance of attracting return visits. I agree that reduced admission for regular events has proven to be a disaster, but this is a different event. I am guessing the club gets some form of fee from Sky which takes a bit of the risk element out of it. I don't know if you looked to the left of the stand at the last meeting, but it had over 150 adults, who were completely new to the sport, as a result of a promotion that was run in East Lothian and the Borders. So it wasn't just kids that came along. You make some wild claims on here that are often completely unfounded. Of course it was a much bigger crowd, thus you will very likely have more kids along (which is surely the future of the sport), to say there was an abundance of kids getting in free when they have to be accompanied by a paying adult would surely have been a good thing?

Only going on my personal experience, but I know of 5 who are now regulars on the back of coming to the first Sky meeting. A handful more have become occasionals. Certainly not enough to change the world! I think we both know speedway in the UK is fighting a losing battle.

You missed the point, the contacts that I have own some global brands, and I was passing on the mechanics of how large business marketing strategies work. It's not as simple as going and asking them for money. Up until a few years ago it was also a means for offsetting against a certain amount of taxation. Again with the economic climate, that is less of a consideration, and the sales benefit is a primary concern. Thus, sponsorship is more than ever a part of an overall marketing and advertising plan. To provide some clarity, if the businesses target demographic does not include speedway fans, then it is highly unlikely that they will provide any form of sponsorship. I think Berwick are very fortunate in that a large number of local businesses contribute as associate sponsors and it is fantastic that they do that. On the idea of employing someone purely on commission. Prima facie it is a good idea, but it very, very rarely works for any business. It needs a basic salary which is topped up with a bonus. I just can't see that being viable: which makes the efforts that all the volunteers at Berwick Speedway (and all the other clubs around the country) all the more commendable. On another note, you can't expect to take a pop at other people's business and not have your shortcomings pointed out. Nobody is perfect, even me.

I think you will find sponsorship was a fairly easy thing to find pre-credit crunch. It's pretty difficult now. Additionally, the larger brands that you mention have a well-planned out marketing strategy. They have their goals so finely tuned that if you are not within the specification then you will not stand a cat's chance in hell of getting in. One of my clients own several large global brands, I have a good relationship so was able to put the question to them. The above was the answer. The current Commercial Manager does a very good job, especially with limited time and resources. Just because Taffy can't see it from his pokey wee shop doesn't mean it isn't happening.

I don't think it made any difference at all when it was done. Only from my personal experience, the most effective thing that has brought new faces along have been the Sky meetings. Can't beat folk wanting to get on the telly!

I think it is good that suggestions are being put forward. I haven't seen any that haven't been tried, or aren't currently being done. Does anyone seriously think that the holiday camps have not been targeted? The posters are great, and contrary to have some on here have said, are actually in quite a few places throughout the Borders, not just Berwick. What I have found very disappointing is that a certain individual has felt the need to personally single out and - utterly unfairly - criticise the Commercial Manager. It really is unfair, below the belt, and very poor form. I'm biting my tongue here as it was bang out of order

Sounds like you've not been short of a speedway fix, I'm envious! This is what my post pertained to: http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=79197&p=2615654

Certainly can't knock that Taffy. We need more people with that positive attitude towards Berwick Speedway. Any reason why you couldn't have both up?

Screm, I have opened up the opportunity for debate recently, particularly to discuss the more successful meetings of late. Really out of interest to see if you thought they were an improvement, what with you being a vocal critic. Sadly you declined to comment, either in reply to me, or in general on those threads. So, take your pop if you like, and maybe I am just one of the too vocal observers on here.

Yes, it's a positive suggestion to get as many out there as possible. I presume you have one in your shop. Your second point is erroneous. I can, but I won't!

It's a fair enough point Sarah, but I would say that it is a bad thing as it is having an effect, really quite a worrying one. Why would anyone sink tens (probably hundreds) of thousands of pounds into something to get nothing but a load of grief in return? All I care about is having a club to support, I am seriously worried that we will not have that next year.

None, I'll privately let you know my connections to the various holiday parks, the uninitiated would think they would be the obvious target, but it is just not the case. For several reasons, which would be breaking confidence were I to post on a public forum. Was good to see the O2 shop helping to distribute the posters. I think the posters are the best I've seen for a speedway club. Very professional and always have current fixtures on them. Another bit of progress that again is turned into a negative by the usual crowd.

I'm quite sure it has been mentioned several times the subscription numbers. I also have it on good authority that the 500+ number is correct. Considering the club is run almost entirely by volunteers who have full-time jobs, it's not a bad effort. Even so, it doesn't appear it is enough to make it a viable venture; and with the amount of sniping, who would want to pay tens of thousands each year for the privilege?

Getting three Sky meetings in a row is pretty impressive. It would be folly to suggest that Sky do not have their finger on the pulse of what the public want, so this is a great endorsement for Berwick Speedway.

http://berwickbandits.co/article/ben-barker-update

Completely agree.

I'm not sure what to expect either, but he certainly has come to give it a go and looks to have had some decent results. Can't believe how unlucky we've been with injuries this season

Maybe you're right!

I think you misinterpreted my post! The post was nothing to do with Rocky

Is Rocky your new imaginary pal?

Any suggestions?

Welcome to Berwick, Coty! Can't wait for some action again on Saturday