What do you get when you merge five-a-side football and business? You get Business Fives.
The five-a-side event for footie-loving firms, which runs through January and February with events throughout the country in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and the home of the tournament, Edinburgh.
The tournament, which encourages firms across Scotland to enter a five-a-side team in both a winter and summer event, is entering its fourth season.
Entries are now being taken for the forthcoming winter season and so far more than 300 companies have taken part in the events which offer a mix teambuilding and networking whilst raising money for charity.
The Edinburgh Professional Services event on 1st February is supported by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce who have been actively involved in the football and golf events throughout the year.
It’s even has some famous ex-players and sporting celebrities taking part as ambassadors including ex-Hearts star Gary MacKay and Hibs legend Pat Stanton, BBC Pundit, Tam McManus along with TV presenter David Tanner.
Tournament founder and Business Fives managing director John McClarey – who also organised a highly-successful inaugural Business Fours golf tournament – says it’s a great opportunity for professionals to make new connections and for businesses to bond with colleagues outside of the office, get fit and raise money for charity.
This winter Business Fives is continuing to allow companies to play for their chosen charity over with the winning company taking its company commitment to donate 10 per cent of everything to their cause this winter.
Previously it elected a sole charity partner, but now firms who take part can elect their own chosen charity with the destination of the final donation being decided by the overall champions.
John said: “By allowing companies to play for their chosen charity we have made a much bigger overall impact to charity.
“The summer season saw us almost double our original target of £10,000 and raise £19,600 which was a brilliant achievement from everyone involved.”
The tournament is now open for entries and to register a team go to businessfives.co.uk/winter-2018
Business Fives Dates for your Diary
Edinburgh Events
Construction, Housing & Property Heat Tuesday 23rd January – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Professional Services Heat Thursday 1st February – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Food, Drink & Hospitality Heat Thursday 8th February – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
The Summer season of Business Fives came to a climax on Thursday as 20 companies took part to win the prize of £3,120 for their chosen charity.
£19,600 has been raised for charities throughout Scotland over the course of the national business 5 aside tournament.
Supported by sponsors White Tree Chiropractic, health and wellbeing partners for the season and Dr Gary Blackwood advised the players of the benefits of using a dynamic warm up as part of the preparations against the traditional school of thought on static stretching. On the pitch the action was intense with the standard high in the business end of the tournament.
Companies from across 8 industry sectors of the Scottish economy have been raising money for their chosen charity in a model that has proven very successful in enabling Business Fives to make a much greater impact on charities throughout Scotland.
The tournament was supported by a host of ambassadors from the football world who finished off the season with a well-received Q & A session hosted by TV presenter, David Tanner with Scotland hall of famer Rhonda Jones, Hibs hero Pat Stanton, Aberdeen and St Mirren star Lee Mair, former Partick Thistle and Celtic goal scorer Jim Melrose.
Business Fives founder, John McClarey said “We’re blown away by the efforts of all the companies involved in our summer season and we’re absolutely delighted almost double our initial £10,000 charity target.
CSR is hugely important to us as our company has a commitment to donating 10% of all proceeds to charity. We’re delighted to see our charity donation going to such a wonderful cause in Glasgow Children’s Hospital and offer our congratulations to A.C. Whyte & Co.”
The tournament, now in its third season, has been supported by health and wellbeing sponsors White Tree Chiropractic and 98 teams have taken part with the top 20 qualifying for the National final taking place in Edinburgh with companies such as BT, Scottish Gas, Scottish Water, Standard Life, Anderson Strathern, Sir Robert McAlpine to name just a few involved.
On the pitch it was Glasgow Construction, Housing & Property champions, A.C. Whyte & Co. who have been playing for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital committing to a £1,000 donation to the Hospital who continued their 100% win record for the season. The company who narrowly missed out on a final place in the winter season went one better in the summer to take home the £3,120 prize for Glasgow Children’s Hospital.
It was the Edinburgh Construction, Housing & Property champions who ran them close in the final, recruitment firm Hudson who were playing for MacMillan but they were unable to find a way to stop tournament top scorer Mate Lacsi as the EWI installers ran out 3 nil winners. It was Hudson goalkeeper Greg McDermott who was chosen by the ambassadors as Man of the Match in the final, a testament to how much pressure Hudson withstood.
David Melhuish, director of the Scottish Property Federation who have supported the tournament, said: “We are delighted to support Business Fives again after such a success last year. Backing this unique event, whilst promoting healthy lifestyles, is something we are thrilled to be involved with. To hear that nearly £20,000 has been raised for good causes is fantastic news and we look forward to continuing to support this fun and competitive event.”
Chartered accountants, Geoghegans qualified by winning the financial services industry heat look to be in great form ahead of the final as they raised £201 for Medic1 Trust. They suffered their first defeat of the summer season in the semi-finals as Hudson won 4-1. In the other Semi-final Standard Life were unlucky to lose 2-1 after overcoming Sir Robert McAlpine on penalties in the Quarter final.
Professional Services champions Anderson Strathern beat Aviva in the champions league last 16 stages but couldn’t find a way passed Geoghegans in the quarter finals. Scottish Water and Turner & Townsend also walked away with a respectable quarter final showing.
You can find out more information and get involved in Business Fives via their website www.businessfives.co.uk
Business Fives summer season kicked off in Edinburgh where the Professional Services sector bid for the chance to qualify for our national final this September.
Supported by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and sponsors White Tree Chiropractic, the event was a goal fest with 209 goals scored across the 31 matches as teams. The companies that took part were all playing with one goal in mind, to win for their chosen charity with organisations such as Princes Trust, Macmillan, Cash for Kids to name just a few of the charities hoping to benefit.
A commendable fundraising effort from eventual champions league finalists, BT who raised £224 for their chosen charity, Macmillan. Pinsent Masons raised £125 for Starfish on their way to the Europa League final.
The event finished with a Q & A session with Business Fives ambassador Pat Stanton. A legend amongst Hibs fan having made almost 400 appearances for them in a glittering career that saw him play against greats of the game like Eusebio, Johan Cruyff and George Best who he singled out as the best of his generation, he shared stories of memorable moments throughout his career.
Tournament sponsor, Dr Gary Blackwood said “We here at WTC are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Business Fives, as we see sport and exercise as an integral part of healthy working offices. We all know that exercise is one of the best ways to prevent ill-health, lowering blood pressure, raising energy levels and improving productivity and focus.”
The tournament initially saw 3 groups playing to qualify for the Champions League, Europa League and Intertoto Cup group stages. BT looked in superb form as they topped their group scoring 9 goals in 3 matches, it was however second place in the same group, Anderson Strathern who set the early scoring standards with 17 group stage goals, notching up big wins against KPMG and Spence & Spence. In group B a thrilling encounter between Gilson Gray and Addleshaw Goddard who played out a 3 all draw was the pick of the ties.
City Cabs and Bruce Stevenson topped their respective groups to book their place alongside BT in the Champions’ League group stages where BT maintained their 100% record to book their semi-final place against Bruce Stevenson.
The Europa League saw no less than 3 law firms play for bragging rights but it was defending champions Anderson Strathern who rose to the top of the group scoring freely in the process. Addleshaw Goddard and Pinsent Masons did enough to book their place in the Europa League semi final.
They were joined by Intertoto group winners, Edinburgh Airport who were beginning to find form after some earlier defeats, along with KPMG who beat Gilson Gray 2-1 in a very close encounter.
In the Champions League semi-finals, 2 goals from City Cabs wasn’t enough to see them overcome Anderson Strathern who were beginning to find the net with increasing regularity. BT put 3 passed Bruce Stevenson to end the insurance brokers journey in the competition. The final was a similarly one-sided affair with tournament top scorer Gary Burton, singled out by Pat Stanton as the man of the match in the final helping Anderson Strathern to lift back to back Professional Services titles in Edinburgh.
Over in the Europa League, Pinsent Masons, who were second in the overall goal scoring charts for the day, overcame KPMG in a 7-4 thriller to book their place in the final against Edinburgh Airport after their victory against Addleshaw Goddard. The Europa league final proved a game to far for Pinsent Masons as Edinburgh Airport ran out 8-3 winners to book their place in their second national final in a row.
The action continues this month with 6 more industry sector qualifiers across Glasgow and Edinburgh as the tournament aims to reach £10,000 for charitable causes throughout Scotland. Follow all the action online on the Business Fives social media channels and website.
Vittoria Group are delighted to announce an exclusive new partnership with Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Hibernian Football Club for the 2017/18 SPFL Football season.
The Italian restaurant group based in Edinburgh have confirmed a sponsorship deal with two of Edinburgh’s biggest football clubs for the up-coming season.
One of the Scotland’s most successful restaurant brands, Vittoria Group will have the opportunity to engage with both Hearts and Hibernian football club fans via an exciting new consumer campaign that will include promotion, giveaways, digital and social media activations, as well as consumer events in their restaurants throughout the season.
As a partner of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Hibernian Football Club, Vittoria Group who own multi award winning restaurants Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, La Favorita, La Favorita Delivered, Taste of Italy and Divino will have access to one of the most passionate and highly engaged base of football fans in Edinburgh.
Tony Crolla, Chairman of Vittoria Group, “I am very pleased that Vittoria Group can support two of Edinburgh’s SPFL football clubs for the 2017/18 season, particularly at a time when both Hearts and Hibernian have so much to look forward to – on and off the pitch. As a valued partner, our restaurant group are delighted to offer all season ticket holders at Hibernian and Hearts discount at any time while dining at Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge and the home of Edinburgh’s original log-fired pizza at La Favorita on Leith Walk”.
A spokesperson for Hearts said, “The club are really forward to working with Vittoria Group throughout the season. They are one of the biggest restaurant groups in the city and we are delighted that our fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a special rate when they dine at one of Vittoria’s outlets.”
Laura Montgomery, Head of Sales and Sponsorship for Hibernian FC said, “We are delighted to partner with the Vittoria Group for the season ahead. They have excellent restaurants right in the heart of the City and it is fantastic news that our supporters will be able to directly benefit from the partnership with a special discount when dining. It is an exciting time for the club as we return to the Premiership and this is further great news for both the club and our fans.”
Mr Crolla continued to say, “We are passionate about our customers and recognise that many of our loyal diners attend football games week after week in Edinburgh. We are looking forward to getting behind both teams and hope that fans will continue to join us pre and post match and discover the delicious authentic Italian food that Vittoria group have become so well known for in the city.”
Season Ticket Holder Rewards and Terms & Conditions:
1. 20% off food bill only
2. All bookings are subject to availability and change
3. Bookings cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and only on the A La Carte menu
4. Bookings can be used for the SPL season of 2017/18 & subject to change of terms
5. Season tickets must be shown on arrival to the restaurant
6. Bookings can be made for a maximum 12 people only using 1 season ticket
More and more companies are joining in with Scotland’s national business five-a-side tournament as it enters its third full season through the continued support of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
Sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber member White Tree Chiropractic, the tournament has received constant support from the Edinburgh Chamber since inception. In one of my first acts of business I joined the Chamber and it’s been a brilliant decision. Their support has ranged from industry partnership, providing networking opportunities, opening conversations, mentoring support, social media support and being a constant friendly face to much more.
Through our Edinburgh Chamber journey we’ve made lots of valuable business connections, found suppliers & accountants, partnered up to support local charity The Yard through our golf events after meeting at a speed networking event and been connected to an invaluable business mentor in Andy Moorhouse. My Chamber journey has been thoroughly worthwhile having built lasting relationships with peers and I’m looking forward to remaining an active member and growing my business with their support.
Reigning champions and fellow chamber members, Anderson Strathern will be back to defend their Professional Services title this summer and we have three more sector specific events in Edinburgh throughout August.
Our event is once again in conjunction with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce as we return to the fantastic Powerleague venue.
This summer, Business Fives will be bringing a twist to the events to provide more networking opportunities and further integrate businesses through our events. We’ll also be sticking to our core values through our 10% company commitment to charity and this season the destination of this donation will be decided by the overall champions from our national final, with over 80 local and national charities benefiting from the fundraising efforts of our players along the way.
The events give you the chance to bond with colleagues outside of the office environment and get fit and active in the process, our Health and Wellbeing partners, White Tree Chiropractic, will be on hand to provide some help and guidance as to how your workplace can benefit and will even be giving players a free massage.
You can find additional info on our events on our website and by registering your interest. With teams involved in our Professional Services Edinburgh heat from Anderson Strathern, BT, KPMG, Bruce Stevenson, Addleshaw Goodard, Edinburgh Airport, Gilson Gray, Village Hotel Club, Spence & Spence, Pinsent Masons and still room for a couple more its sure to be a great event.
Come along to Business Fives and get the Chamber buzzing with chat and some friendly rivalry before Scotland’s business football tournament of the year.
The ScotRail Alliance and British Transport Police (BTP) are issuing travel advice to all customers ahead of Scotland’s football World Cup qualifier against England on Saturday 10 June.
Extra carriages will be added to services between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High, as well as on key services between Glasgow, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, Alloa and Stirling. However, services are still expected to be very busy.
BTP will have extra officers on duty as thousands of fans throughout England and Scotland descent on Hampden Park for this significant match. They’ll be on hand to reassure the travelling public, but also to deter, disrupt and detect criminality.
Queuing systems will be in place at key locations across the network, and fans are advised to leave plenty of extra time for their journey – as they may not be able to board their first train of choice. Customers are reminded that, in addition to the main route through Falkirk High, there are also trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts and Bathgate.
Scotland fans will be directed to Mount Florida station before and after the game, while England supporters must use to King’s Park. Additional carriages and services will be running between Glasgow Central and Hampden before and after the game.
To avoid disappointment, fans are being urged to plan their journeys in advance. In particular, they are asked not leave it until the last minute to head to the ground, and to be aware that there are only limited long-distance services after full-time. Where possible, customers travelling to further away destinations should head to either Glasgow Central or Queen Street as soon as they can after the final whistle.
Officers from BTP will be working closely with ScotRail Alliance and other train operators in the build-up this mighty match. This is a cross-border operation and officers have been meticulously planning for many months alongside Police Scotland and train operators. Extra officers will be patrolling train key stations and will be joining fans on board trains before and after the match.
Alcohol bans will be in place on many routes, and customers are reminded that the consumption or open carrying of alcohol is not permitted on any ScotRail service before 10am or after 9pm. Officers will be patrolling the network before and after the game, to reassure the travelling public and to deter anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Jacqueline Taggart, the ScotRail Alliance’s customer experience director, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming fans from both sides of the border onboard our trains this weekend.
“We want everyone to have great time at the match, but more importantly, to stay safe. With this in mind, police and extra staff will be on hand to assist at key locations across our network. Please help them to help you by following their instructions.
“We’ll be doing all we can to get fans to and from the match. You can play your part by planning your journey now – remember not to leave it to the last train of the night to get home, as all trains are going to be very busy. To help reduce your need to queue, please buy your tickets through to Mount Florida or King’s Park in advance – not on the day.”
Chief Superintendent John McBride, leading the operation for British Transport Police, said: “This is a mighty event for both teams and we’re looking forward to welcoming spectators as they arrive in Glasgow. Our policing operation will stretch the breadth of the nation and will involve a large number of officers.
“We want spectators to have a fun and enjoyable journey towards this match and will be on hand if they need assistance. Likewise, we will also be taking a zero-tolerance approach towards any individuals or groups who exhibit anti-social or criminal behaviour. There is no place for hooligan or intimidating behaviour and we will be taking firm action against those who are out to cause trouble.
“I would like to remind passengers travelling longer distances, that there will be few trains departing after the final whistle. Therefore, I would urge them to plan ahead and make sure they have booked accommodation or alternative travel options.
“Passengers are of course the eyes and ears of the rail network and I would ask them to remain vigilant on their journey and report suspicious behaviour to us.”
Anyone who wants to report crime or antisocial behaviour on the railway should do so by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 – in an emergency always call 999.
The ScotRail Alliance is advising fans heading to the match at Celtic Park this Sunday to leave plenty of extra time for their journey.
Services via Bellgrove are already expected to be very busy, as engineering works are limiting the number of carriages that can be used on trains to and from Edinburgh. Customers are advised to travel via Dalmarnock, or on Partick-Cumbernauld services, as extra carriages will be added to these trains where possible.
To help everything go smoothly, extra ScotRail staff will be on hand at key stations.
A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “Please plan your journey in advance, and aim to travel on an earlier service to avoid disappointment.
“We also recommend that you buy your tickets in advance, not on the day, as this will help reduce your need to queue.”
Founded by Mel Young from Scotland and Harald Schmied from Austria, The Homeless World Cup uses the power of football to energise homeless people, enabling them to change their own lives.
The Homeless World Cup is an Edinburgh based charity that supports grass-roots football programmes and social enterprise development via a network of 70 national partners. To celebrate this hard work, the charity organise an annual football tournament that unites teams of homeless people from countries all around the globe.
The 12th edition of the Homeless World Cup takes place from 19-26 October 2014 at Plaza de la Constitución, Santiago, Chile. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Sian Downes was luckily selected as one the volunteers. Working hard on her fundraising she says “I am delighted to have been chosen as a HWC volunteer, it is a very special honour and I look forward to heading out to Santiago to meet up with the rest of the volunteers. I want to thank all ECC members that have helped with my fundraising efforts and I look forward to reporting back.”
Craig Campbell, Homeless World Cup CEO also commented stating “Football is a great leveller; it connects people and is a universal sport for everyone. The Homeless World Cup is able to change the scenery, challenge stereotyping and people who have been excluded and isolated from society are cheered by thousands and treated as soccer heroes during the tournament. The feeling of belonging, challenge of working in a team, regaining a health- oriented attitude towards life, self esteem and last but not least the experience of fun is a powerful combination to change a person’s life.”
It is expected that over 100,000 spectators will watch the action unfold at the specially constructed stadia and pitches in front of La Moneda, with millions more following online
The tournament hosts homeless and socially disadvantaged men and women from 49 countries with 63 teams that will participate in the 350 matches that will be played at Chile 2014.
