IMPRESSED business leaders are ‘fired up’ by the once-in-a-generation opportunities presented by Rugby’s status as a ‘host city’ in this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
A meeting of business networking scheme Coventry and Warwickshire Champions heard the town’s plans to capitalise on the competition from Rob Back, Head of Planning and Recreation at Rugby Borough Council, and Paul Smith, Head of City Delivery at England Rugby 2015.
And the chairman of the group’s parent organisation said the plans had great potential for the area.
Les Ratcliffe, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Place Board, said: “I think the presentations underlined to everyone just how big the tournament is on a global scale.
“It is clear that Rugby has been working hard locally and nationally to maximise its place in the sport’s history – and certainly the 100 plus businesses and organisation that were present at the meeting were fired up by what they heard.
“The Coventry and Warwickshire Place Board promotes the area with the aim of improving perceptions and driving investment, and this sort of activity will raise the county’s profile on an international scale.
“We hope that some of the businesses at the meeting – whether from Rugby or elsewhere – will take advantage and sample what should be a really good atmosphere in the town.”
The town is an honorary ‘host city’ for the tournament – with the unique official title of ‘Proud Home of the Game’ – which runs from September 18 to October 31 and is expected to generate £2.2billion for the national economy.
Attractions and initiatives for residents and the thousands of expected visitors include a FanZone in Old Market Place where games will be shown on big screens and family activities will be staged.
Forty-eight schools and more than 2,000 students have taken part in an education programme, the Rugby Pathway of Fame has been improved, and there have been major refurbishments to the town centre which is also been dressed with Rugby World Cup marketing material. The Webb Ellis Trophy will also be in the town on August 16 and 17.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Champions scheme unites businesses, organisations and individuals across the area to help develop and promote the area.
