Tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail businesses in Rugby can find out how they can make the most of a major anniversary – and a wider range of support that is available to them – at an event this month.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has organised Rugby Means Business on Tuesday, March 21, between 8am and 11am at the Benn Hall in the town.
The event has been organised through Project Warwickshire in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council. Project Warwickshire is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, forming part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme. It is also funded by Warwickshire County Council.
The event will look at what is planned to mark the bicentenary of rugby football, which was invented in 1823 by William Webb Ellis at Rugby School, and how businesses in the town and surrounding borough can make the most of the landmark year.
Businesses will also be able to hear about what support they can access, including one-to-one help on everything from finance to marketing.
There will also be a chance to find out more about the reopened Rugby Market and other regeneration opportunities coming to the town.
Businesses in the tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail sector will also get meet representatives from the Chamber, Rugby Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council, CJ Events and Rugby School.
Keely Hancox, Head of Operations at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled to be working with a range of partners in Rugby to bring this event to the town in March.
“Of course, this is a huge year for the sport of rugby and it is absolutely synonymous with the town of Rugby.
“There will be lots of activities and events taking place and we want businesses across the borough to find out how they can get involved, as well as learn how these opportunities can increase footfall and ultimately help their business to grow.
“Not only that, there is a huge amount of free support available to businesses in Rugby and this event is the perfect place to come and find out all about that.”
Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson, said: "Our county is blessed by so many lovely towns, all with their own great business offer, and Rugby has a really exciting year coming up with the bicentenary of rugby football.
"I am delighted that Project Warwickshire and Rugby Borough Council have organised the Rugby Means Business event which will be a brilliant melting pot of information and ideas for the coming year."
Cllr Ian Picker, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Investment at Rugby Borough Council, said: "It's a really exciting time for businesses in Rugby, with the Bicentenary of the game of Rugby Football giving us a unique opportunity to promote our town this year.
“There is a great calendar of events in and around the town centre and Rugby Means Business is a great opportunity to find out more about what is happening to celebrate this historic occasion.
“We'll also be highlighting some of the work going on as part of our Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, which will transform our town centre over the coming months and years.”
More information and booking details on the event at Benn Hall in Rugby on March 21 is available here