All of the key points from the online Club Update on Wednesday 21 October 2020:
FINANCES
- Impact on finances throughout 2020 is quite stark. However, finances are secure for 2021 and beyond
- The Club has taken several pre-emptive steps throughout, multiple future scenarios, including ‘worst-case‘ has been planned for, and a very lean staffing structure with a low cost-base is now in place across the business
- The whole Club has continued to work together throughout and has saved around £500k by utilising the Government’s furlough scheme. Plans are now in place with all staff to allow us to access the new Job Support Scheme from 1 November, throughout the winter
CRICKET
- The Cricket Steering group have acknowledged that white ball performances were below the level expected in 2020
- A lack of senior spin bowlers has been identified, and the Club is looking to recruit at least one spinner. The Club would consider overseas candidates if a suitable player became available for the 2021 season. There are also three promising spinners coming through the academy system
- Wayne Parnell will not be returning to New Road in 2021
- The Club hopes to welcome spectators back in 2021, subject to Government guidelines. The Club feel they are in a strong position to operate within any guidelines following the success of hosting Pakistan men’s national team in a bio-secure bubble in June. The Club’s current working assumption is that we will be able to operate at 50% capacity with members only
MEMBERSHIP
- In 2020 62% of members opted to become Exclusive 2020 Members, 34% chose to roll over to 2021, and only 4% requested a refund. The Club stated that this level of support has been overwhelming and crucial to the financial stability of the Club
- The operating system used for the live stream was identical to many other counties, but the Club did encounter some unique issues, including flood damage to equipment. There has since been a full review, and this will be improved for 2021
- The Club has now also moved to EBC Group as a sole technology partner to ensure a smooth operation of IT around New Road
- 2021 Members who pay via Direct Debit have already been written to, and other renewals and membership purchases will be available to purchase from Monday 2 November
- A new three-tiered Junior Membership Package is to be launched at the start of November hoping to attract more under-17’s to the Club with several unique benefits
ONLINE CLUB SHOP
- The Online Club Shop, which was launched on 16 May, has fulfilled over 1,100 orders of 2,617 items to 13 countries worldwide
- Plans are in place for new product lines to be added, including some ‘Legend’s Hampers’ shortly. There will also be a promotion around the Black Friday sales, and Christmas range will be added online soon
COMMERICAL
- Commercially the Club has some new partners in the pipeline, with some expected to be announced early in the new year
- New Road is open as usual for business meetings, and conferences with strict COVID-19 protocols in place and the venue has been certified as ‘Good to Go’ by Visit England. New Road can also host weddings ceremonies and receptions of up to 15 people
- A new Work from Home, From Here package, launched early October, has seen a massive uptake with the executive boxes being booked for small meetings for between one and three people
- Foley’s Café is currently being utilised as a relocated gym for the players due to having more significant space enabling social distancing
