We Are Premier League
“We are Premier League, we are Premier League…”
This was the resounding chant from the Championship Play Off Final, Wembley Stadium on Monday 30th May 2011. Swansea City had just made history, beating Reading by 3 goals to 2 to claim their place in the English Premier League, arguably the finest and richest football league in the world.
This fantastic achievement saw Swansea overshadowing their big city rivals in Cardiff as the first Welsh side to gain entry to the Premier League and with it came a huge financial windfall to the tune of £90,000,000.00
With the global economy in such turmoil, South West Wales has had its fair share of economic problems over the last 3 years, but many commentators see the football’s club achievement as a great opportunity to capitalise on “Brand Swansea” and provide a welcome cash injection to the city. This could be channeled via tourism, corporate visits and entrepreneurial expansion by existing and new businesses looking to seize the opportunity provided by Swansea’s newly founded status.
We asked Peter Lynn of Peter Lynn and Partners solicitors, for his reaction to Swansea City’s achievement and the possible impact he thought it would have on the City’s economic prospects?
“I’m traditionally a rugby and cricket man, but as a rounded sportsman this is a truly fantastic achievement. The Premier League is the best sporting stage on the planet with teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool renowned throughout the world for their history and achievements. Now Swansea has become part of this, we will see those same teams with all of their superstars heading to the Liberty Stadium with all the hype and Media coverage that travels with them.
“What better opportunity to make an impression to a world audience and sell Swansea as a place to invest; the potential for business owners, entrepreneurs and any ambitious exporters is huge. Indeed as a business we ourselves have made a direct investment into the club via a corporate match day business package, which we organised in advance of the new season”.
Peter Lynn makes some relevant points, but are we getting a little carried away with the moment? There is no doubt that Swansea’s sporting achievement is historic, inspiring and it has genuinely lifted the mood in the City. Also, of course as a club £90,000,000.00 (yes that’s right MILLION) is a significant prize, but this is football and with transfer fees and wages exceeding £60,000,000.00 and £250K per week respectively, if not spent wisely it certainly won’t last. Then of course there is the hardest challenge of all, which is staying in The premier League!
But enough of the scepticism, let’s seek out the positives and Peter is right to point out the economic potential:
“As a City we should explore the opportunity to the full. Tourism and Branding should have a strategic vision with clear direction and management being provided by The Assembly, Wales Tourism and The City Council; indeed there is real evidence of this at The Liberty Stadium with the The Welsh Government’s tourism agency Visit Wales agreeing a £150,000 sponsorship of the stadium’s north stand. They clearly recognise the global media exposure and the unique opportunity to market Swansea & Wales on the world stage.
“Outside of the football stadium it’s time for business owners and potential business start ups to begin their creative thinking and seize the opportunity before it’s too late. The football club has provided us with an international media platform and as a business community we simply need to avoid complacency, research the various niches that exist and react with creativity, dynamism and purpose”.
Peter’s final thoughts are directed at the core of the business community as we begin this exciting Premier League campaign. “We want to connect with businesses and help develop the business owners fulfill their potential
“We understand as team of lawyers that running a business on a day to day basis is hard enough for any business owner, hence we provide a number of services that can help both SME’s and larger organisations.
“Our Guardian scheme is specific for the SME market and is designed to make the business stronger and save the business owner money.
“It provides an array of business solutions to complex subjects such as recruitment, employment contracts, HR training and claims. We offer a ‘cradle to grave’ approach that is essential for business start ups and allows SME’s to subscribe on a monthly retainer basis.”
Outside of The Guardian Scheme Peter Lynn and Partners also advise larger organisations in relation to all aspects of Commercial Law including:
- Business solutions
- Partnership/ shareholders agreements
- Terms and conditions of business/ agreements
- Leases
- Cash flow
- Business Structure
- Debt Recovery
- Property
- Disputes
- Finance
- Licences
- Taxes
- Goods & Services
“All this is delivered in a personal approach backed by a vast experience of helping firms along the M4 corridor. As a team of lawyers I do believe we provide a service to business owners worthy of parallels associated with Premier League Status. However, just like the football club, we are fully aware of the need to deliver and we are constantly researching new products and services to improve our performance and retain our position as Premier League Lawyers.
“We urge all business minded people to seize the moment and grasp the opportunity that Brendan Rogers’s Swans have provided. Opportunities are there; make the most of them whilst they exist”
For more information on Peter Lynn & Partners or any of the points covered in this article contact Peter Lynn & Partners Head office:
Peter Lynn & Partners
2nd Floor, Langdon House
Langdon Road
Swansea
SA1 8QY
Tel: 01792 450010
Fax: 01792 462881
[email protected]
Article written by Social Jack & Fridays, PR for Peter Lynn & Partners:
www.socialjackandfridays.co.uk