Glasgow Football Coach's East End Impact Backed By Business Gateway

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A Glasgow football coach who has trained more than 1,000 children in the city's East End has expanded his reach, after turning to Business Gateway for support developing his digital marketing.

Bradley Ruddick founded Football Focused 1-2-1 in January 2023, coaching young people at Stepford Football Centre. The business has seen significant uptake from locals and grown considerably over the past 3 years, with referrals and word of mouth playing a key role in attracting new participants. The business now has 10 self-employed coaches, the majority of which are from the local areas, all UEFA-licensed and delivering one-to-one sessions alongside specialised and weekly classes for children of all ages and abilities.

Ruddick also places significant importance on developing his team of coaches, most of whom are from the local area, giving them the chance to build their coaching skills and open up future career opportunities. Developing coaches from the East End is a priority for the business, giving young people the chance to learn from people who understand the community they live in. Recent growth has allowed Ruddick to bring two long-serving coaches on full-time.

As the business grew, Football Focused 1-2-1 partnered with East End Community Carers (EECC), supporting the charity's community work with weekly multi-sports sessions for children delivered through its network throughout the year.

The partnership also saw the business redevelop Queenslie Park into a brand new, full-size five-a-side astro pitch. Football Focused 1-2-1 has more recently started delivering movement classes for over-65s in the community, and now partners with seven local football clubs across the East End, helping train teams and develop their coaches.

Ruddick has invested significantly in developing the business, including a custom website, and turned to Business Gateway's Digital Expert Support grant to make his investment go further. Delivered by Glasgow City Council, the grant offers businesses up to three days of tailored one-to-one support across website development, digital marketing and social media, IT infrastructure, e-commerce and wider digital strategy. Ruddick used his three days to develop a digital marketing and social media strategy, helping the business reach more children and families and expand the team's impact in Glasgow.

He was supported by Business Gateway adviser Karen Fotheringham, who has supported with expert one-to-one support and guidance, advising on funding routes, including the Digital Expert Support grant, and signposting to wider support available through the local authority.

Bradley Ruddick, owner of Football Focused 1-2-1, said: "Football Focused 1-2-1 is more than coaching. It's about giving young people in the East End somewhere to build confidence, fitness and friendships that last well beyond the pitch.

“Karen's support has been invaluable in helping us grow. She's helped us think properly about our digital marketing and social media, and that's meant more families finding out about what we do and more opportunities to build the brand."

Karen Fotheringham, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Bradley and his team of coaches do brilliant work in the East End. What started as one-to-one coaching has grown into a business supporting more than 1,000 children, and the partnership with East End Community Carers shows the wider impact it's having on the community.

“Through the Digital Expert Support grant, we were able to give Bradley three days of tailored support to develop his marketing and social media strategy, helping him build on that momentum and reach more families across Glasgow."

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

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Nov 1, 2023
2 min read

In a world increasingly defined by innovation and technology, engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The United Kingdom, known for its rich engineering heritage and a constant drive for progress, dedicates a day each year to celebrate the invaluable contributions of its engineers.

This year, National Engineers' Day takes place on November 1 to celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and dedication of engineers across the nation.

National Engineers' Day was officially established in 2019 by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The date chosen coincides with the birthday of George Stephenson, often regarded as the father of the locomotive, emphasising the UK's historical engineering achievements.

It is a day of recognition and celebration. Engineers from various disciplines, industries, and educational backgrounds come together to commemorate their profession and showcase the depth, diversity and opportunity that a career in engineering can offer.

Here are some common activities and initiatives associated with this special day:

Awards and Honours: Many organisations and institutions use this occasion to present awards and honours to outstanding engineers who have made remarkable contributions to their fields.
Educational Initiatives: Schools, colleges, and universities often organise workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to inspire young minds to pursue careers in engineering.
Professional Development: Workshops and seminars focusing on skill development and the latest technological advancements are organised to keep engineers up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of their profession.
Public Engagement: Engineers participate in various public engagement activities, showcasing their projects and innovations to raise awareness about the impact of engineering on daily life.
Industry Collaboration: Companies and industries frequently collaborate with educational institutions to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications.

National Engineers' Day holds great significance, as it highlights the vital role engineers play in the UK's growth and development. It emphasises the need for innovation and the constant pursuit of excellence in engineering, essential for addressing the challenges of the modern world, from sustainable energy solutions to cutting-edge healthcare technologies.

The day also fosters a sense of community among engineers, enabling them to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of innovators.

National Engineers' Day stands as a testament to the UK's rich engineering legacy and its commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder of the incredible feats that engineers have accomplished and the boundless potential that lies ahead.

As the world continues to evolve, the contributions of engineers are more vital than ever, and this day serves to honour and recognise their tireless dedication to progress and innovation.

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Glasgow Football Coach's East End Impact Backed By Business Gateway

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