Racing start for The 1905 Club – the business forum at Newbury Racecourse

The-1905-Club

You would be a fool to miss the inaugural meeting on 1 April

An innovative new business forum, named ‘The 1905 Club’, has been launched by Newbury Racecourse to provide networking opportunities for businesses across Berkshire and the Thames Valley – a region ranked only second after London as the largest contributor to the UK economy. The inaugural meeting of the Club, which is named after the year in which the first races were held at Newbury Racecourse, takes place on Friday 1 April and will feature former leading Jump Jockey Mick Fitzgerald who will focus on the business of success on and off the racecourse. Fitzgerald won most of the biggest races in his sport, including the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but after a career-ending injury, he has re-invented himself as a sought-after broadcaster, regularly appearing on Channel 4, BBC 5 Live and digital racing channels.

Business owners, guests and clients from a wide spectrum of businesses will be hosted by Sky’s At The Races presenter Zoey Bird, herself a successful broadcaster for almost 20 years who now lives in Newbury.

Julian Thick, Newbury Racecourse’s Chief Executive said: “We are very proud of our history and our heritage, so the reference to our year of inception made perfect sense.

However we are equally proud of our strong links to the Berkshire community and see this new concept as a way of encouraging both the established and up and coming business in the area to get together and talk business but also to have a little bit of fun together in a special environment.”

The aim of the monthly event is to provide businesses with unrivalled networking and entertainment opportunities, giving like-minded businesses the opportunity to meet new people, strengthen business relationships and renew old acquaintances and ultimately generate business opportunities. Scheduled to coincide with first class race days, attendees will receive a two-course lunch, afternoon tea, some tips for the races, and the opportunity to hear from expert speakers and presenters. Alongside London, the Thames Valley Berkshire region is the UK’s economic powerhouse contributing over £34bn in GVA (Gross Value Added) to the economy.

Members will also be able to bring guests to 1905 Club meetings. The regular events provide an ideal opportunity for hospitality in an informal and exciting venue to entertain customers and colleagues, away from their main offices.

Newbury Racecourse Conference and Events Head of Sales, Tracy Skinner, commented: “We believe that the 1905 Club will make an important contribution to businesses large and small. Through combining business networking with exciting race days, we will offer an innovative opportunity to Berkshire businesses and further support the growth of the county’s economy. It is great to be able to have Zoey Bird and Mick Fitzgerald on board, especially as both have strong links to the county and the racecourse.”

1905 Club membership will include an annual membership badge for Newbury Racecourse offering club members the opportunity to enjoy 29 quality racing fixtures throughout the year with access to the Members Suite, which gives wonderful views across the course and includes a private bar.

“By offering local and national businesses the opportunity to network and build stronger relationships, we hope to play a central role in supporting the economic growth of Berkshire and surrounding areas,” concluded Tracy Skinner.

For more information on the Newbury Racecourse 1905 Club please visit http://newburyracecourse.co.uk/racing/memberships/ or contact [email protected]

For more editorial information please contact: Charlotte Lawson [email protected] [01242 211181] or Philip Hicks [email protected] [01242 211189]