DRAGONS ANNOUNCE REGIONAL BUSINESS PLAN

By Charlotte Moriarty | 24/04/2012

Newport Gwent Dragons are moving to secure their long-term future with the presentation of a new Business Plan to take the group of businesses based at Rodney Parade forward.

Newport Gwent Dragons are moving to secure their long-term future with the presentation of a new Business Plan to take the group of businesses based at Rodney Parade forward.

Chris Brown, Chief Executive of the Dragons, who is widely experienced in realising the financial potential of businesses across Europe, has compiled the plan following a 2-month audit of the region’s finances, as well as a thorough assessment of the commercial and sporting opportunities for the region.

“It is undeniable that there are challenges facing regional rugby,” said Brown “but I am confident that not only do we have the grass roots support and commercial viability to meet these challenges, but that we now have a clear pathway of short and medium-term objectives which will enable us to secure our financial future.”

“The financial landscape of rugby has changed a great deal since professionalism and all teams have had to adjust to the challenges of increased wage bills and increased demands on international players. I believe that at Rodney Parade we have great potential and significant assets which we will endeavour to maximise.

“We have been working closely with several local businesses in terms of partnering us for the coming seasons and we look forward to confirming these partnerships in the coming weeks.”
The business plan involves not only the professional rugby aspect of the business but the events market following the redevelopment of the Bisley Stand last summer.

“Rodney Parade is a key venue, not just for regional rugby but for the business community of Newport and beyond,” said Brown. In our first 9 months, we have hosted some of the biggest companies operating in the area and we will look to further expand this side of our business going forward.”

The Business Plan also allows for the playing budget of the Dragons to be ring fenced, allaying concerns over the short-term stability of the regional rugby side.

Dragons Director of Rugby Robert Beale said “I am delighted that the Directors at the Dragons have responded positively to the business plan put forward by CEO Chris Brown and have confirmed that the rugby budget for season 2012-2013 remains untouched from previous seasons - giving their support to strengthening the playing squad for the coming season.

“Retention and recruitment of players and staff at the Dragons is a key element of the business plan going forward and will have a huge bearing on the success of our business on and off the field. “

“The Dragons have always been prudent by working within their means with a smaller playing budget than most – concentrating on identifying and developing young talent which has proved successful in the emergence of Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate. Retaining these players has ensured that the Dragons remained influential in world rugby whilst enabling us to remain financially stable.

“This season has seen the likes of Hallam Amos and Jack Dixon take their first steps to becoming a future regular in the Dragons’ side and the region’s Business Plan will enable us to continue to develop this next generation of Welsh rugby players whilst retaining our regional stars.”

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