On Saturday we are delighted to be welcoming the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to Lightfoot Green as the main match sponsors for the 1st XV game with Luctonians.
The North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce celebrates its centenary in 2016, having been founded in March 1916. You can read more about the centenary here and the events which are taking place to mark it.
Ahead of the game we caught up with Training & Events Manager Pete Mulder to ask him a few questions about the Chamber but also rugby.
Who are the Chamber and what services do you provide?
The Chamber provides its members with a whole range of local services. We can help in a number of ways such as: business support, business advice, business information, international trade, training, networking events and business start-ups.
Why has the Chamber chosen to sponsor a Preston Grasshoppers game?
As it is the Chamber’s centenary year we thought it would be totally appropriate to mark it by supporting our local sporting clubs. This is the second of four match sponsorships we have during the course of 2016 with similar packages at Fylde, Preston North End and Blackpool FC.
What connections do Chamber have to Preston Grasshoppers, if any?
The club has been valued members of the Chamber, something which we hope will continue for many years to come.
Why should club members in business consider joining the Chamber?
In addition to the services outlined earlier, there are a number of advantages to becoming a Chamber member. Firstly, there is strength in numbers. We use the might of our membership numbers to represent the business community. Influencing the government, local authorities and other institutions to create the very best environment for businesses to operate in is at the heart of what a Chamber of Commerce is.
What are your predictions for the game with Luctonians?
Although Grasshoppers have lost their last two games, hopefully home advantage should give them the edge this afternoon. However, given how close the reverse game was when Hoppers won earlier in the season, it just shows you can’t take anything for granted. If the Chamber was a betting man, however, our money would be on the home team.
Who will win the 6 Nations and why?
England may well be odds-on with the bookies as they lead the table but they have the toughest run-in against Wales and France. If Wales take anything from their game at Twickenham, then you’d have to say they are favourites with a home match against Italy to round off their season. Being patriotic, however, we’re firmly backing England to bring home the trophy this year.
How do you rate Eddie Jones’ start as England coach?
Three wins from three is all you can ask for at this stage of the campaign. It would be easy to get carried away by that kind of start but the games against Wales and France will provide a clearer idea of how much work lies ahead prior to the summer tour of Australia.
We look forward to welcoming Pete and his colleague Iain Bulloch as well as all the guests of the Chamber to Lightfoot Green on Saturday.
