Nottingham Rugby and Mason Infotech raise funds with profit-share on business phone deals

Published 1st July 2009

1st July 2009 – Mason Infotech and Nottingham Rugby have introduced a scheme to enable local businesses to get the advertising and networking benefits of sponsorship, at no cost to themselves, while benefiting from cheaper phone calls and financially supporting the rugby club.

Under the scheme, by switching their telephone billing to Mason Infotech, companies benefit from calls that are typically 10% to 40% cheaper than their current deals, and always less expensive than BT. There’s no need to change their phone number, and the switchover is easy and quick. There are no connection charges or hidden fees.

The profit generated from each deal under the scheme goes directly to the rugby club, helping it prosper in the challenging environment of the Guinness Championship.

Gary Rees, ex-Nottingham and England rugby player, said: “One of the key ingredients that will allow Nottingham Rugby to take that next step up the ladder of success is increased income generation. Although the cost of pushing Nottingham Rugby up to the level of playing in the Premiership and competing in Europe is high, the rewards for the city can also be high. I hope local businesses can get behind the club and support it financially, helping it recapture its position as a top-level team.”

Nottingham-born Stephen Mason, managing director of Mason Infotech, has been a lifelong rugby enthusiast, and at one point played for the second team at Nottingham Rugby. He now helps with the mini and junior sections at the club, coaching local children including his own two sons. He has also played club rugby in New Zealand and Australia.

The hospitality benefits that companies receive depend on their level of spending with Mason Infotech and hence the revenue raised for Nottingham Rugby. These can include free VIP entry and a three-course lunch at every home game, match day programme and perimeter advertising, and hospitality packages at matches.

The new service has already been successfully trialled, and one Nottingham business that has signed up is the solicitors Fraser Brown. Paul Keegan, practice manager at Fraser Brown, said: “By simply changing our telephone billing through Mason Infotech, we saved money and helped Nottingham rugby at the same time.”

Tim Sayers, chief operating officer at Nottingham Rugby, said: “Mason Infotech has been a valued sponsor of Nottingham Rugby over the last four years. This new scheme is a great win-win opportunity for local businesses to get cheaper phone calls and pull together with other companies to help the rugby club, while also enjoying access to hospitality.”

Stephen Mason, managing director at Mason Infotech, said: “Too many businesses are stuck paying over the odds for their calls, often simply because they haven’t investigated the alternatives. With this new offer, we hope to help Nottingham firms get cheaper calls and a better phone service, while also helping support the city’s rugby team.”