Your Voice

The latest Your Voice feature, giving LBV members a platform for their views on the current business landscape in Leicester.

Mark is an extensively experienced business professional holding senior positions at a variety of professional sports clubs, operating at the highest level from EFL (Championship and League One), Premier League and Premiership Rugby levels.

Mark specialises in commercial development and sponsorship, and is currently responsible for driving new corporate revenue opportunities for Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.

How would you describe what your business does?

In the modern world, we would describe ourselves as an entertainment business, with rugby at its core. Driving all of this, we believe that we offer a compelling marketing proposition for any brand wanting to harness the power of sport. We are a facilitator of world-class experiences, be it events on a matchday or otherwise.

We are a 24/7 content provider, marketing hub and developer of people, on-and-off the pitch, all of which falls under the brand that is Leicester Tigers.

What are the biggest opportunities for your business?

We are blessed with both a great fanbase and prestigious history and I believe the biggest opportunities lie in our next step as a business, being able to rise above the sport itself and become an established global sporting brand.

Over the previous 24 months (and during a global pandemic), we’ve been able to restructure our business accordingly to set the foundations to achieve these goals, whilst at the same time, always supporting our on-field development

What are the biggest challenges for your business?

There’s no doubt that the covid19 pandemic still remains our biggest challenge to overcome, and whilst we are in a really good position coming out of it, like all businesses, I think we’ll have one eye remaining on it for the foreseeable future.

What would you identify as the key strengths of Leicester?

There’s an acknowledgement around the country that Leicester is a sporting city and I don’t think this can be underplayed in both its value – be it rugby, football, basketball or cricket – and also what we bring to the city; be it people on a matchday through to the overall brand.

Outside of sport, there’s a really strong business community which I’ve never seen at other cities in which I’ve worked.

What are the top three ways in which Leicester can develop to support the business community?

1. Bring larger businesses to the area
2. Creation of a dedicated expertise resource
3. Shout about our achievements more

Why is LBV important to you and your business?

LBV is very important for our business given the strength of its members. I’m a big believer that when you tie like minded people together, you can achieve any vision quicker and that’s what I’ve always enjoyed within the group.