News
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South Africa - the football, the people, the vuvuzelas, the legacy and Brazil!'World Cup 2010 - so how was it for you?' |
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2010 - some questions to considerDanny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, asks |
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FTG offer FREE business and marketing sessionsDanny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, offers FREE one hour business and marketing sessions for existing and new clients... |
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From touchline to boardroomFootball and business leaders join together at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium... |
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FTG offer clubs FREE funding analysisFull Time Group are pleased to offer clubs a FREE funding analysis in order to help them maximise the opportunities for staff development and sustainable community engagement... |
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FTG offer TAM Football guaranteeTAM Football combines long established and the very latest sport and business world teamwork and management practices... |
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Funding specialist Rachel Scott joins FTG TeamFull Time Group are delighted to welcome Rachel Scott to its growing team... |
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FTG expand their specialist teamFull Time Group are delighted to welcome Dominic Risebro to their team as a specialist in Technology and Corporate Venturing. |
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TAM Restart launchedFull Time Group, working in partnership with TAM (UK) plc, are pleased to support the launch of TAM Restart. |
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Culturescene gets Hungary!FTG client Culturescene have just launched their latest weekend break destination... |
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FTG secure Scimitars major sponsorshipThe new four-star Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, becomes Sheffield Scimitars' main sponsor... |
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TAM goes SME!Full Time Group and TAM UK are pleased to announce the launch of the SME version of the acclaimed TAM programme. |
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FTG launch new websiteAs part of the company's ongoing expansion and export plans, Full Time Group have launched their new website. |
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Pele in SheffieldBrazilian football legend Pele, widely regarded as the world's greatest ever player, has spent three days in Sheffield as part of United's growing links with Sao Paulo. |
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Blatter hails Sheffield as home of footballFIFA president Sepp Blatter hailed Sheffield United FC as the home of football at a special presentation... |
‘South Africa - the football, the people, the vuvuzelas, the legacy and Brazil!’
Monday 12 July 2010
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group asks: 'World Cup 2010 - so how was it for you?'
The quality of the football, the ball itself, a ghost goal, natural disappointment for England, vuvuzelas, but so much more to remember, admire and treasure.
Surely we should not judge how good a World Cup is solely on the performance of our national team and the sometimes dubious quality of the football. The South Africans deserve us to look beyond all this. The two things they could not control were the performances of the individual teams and those of many of the so called the ‘big stars'.
Fortunate enough to be there for the tournament in a working and (sometimes) social capacity, Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, summed up the tournament in one world - people.
The South Africans went out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. The tournament was well organised, everyone felt very safe and secure at matches and throughout the whole country whilst the stadia were truly magnificent. All a huge credit to the thousands of workers and volunteers who made this once unlikely dream come true. Even the vuvuzelas when in the stadia themselves brought a unique atmosphere as individuals competed with each other then joined with thousands of others to send their tunes echoing round the stands.
Some favourite personal moments? South African players dancing in the tunnel and the celebration of their first goal, the moment we thought England were on their way, a first sight of Soccer City in Johannesburg, the Brazilian fans partying in Cape Town, the fan parks, Ghana uniting a continent, a victory in the end for football from Spain - all set in a vibrant beauty of a country with such warm, friendly people who sure know how to party. Ayoba!
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Also a big well done to FIFA! Yes a well deserved compliment to them. It was in many ways a brave decision to choose South Africa but the organisers, the safety, the people, the stadia all did both the country and FIFA proud.
A mention too and congratulations to local boy done good Howard Webb from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on being selected to referee the final and for managing to keep the match progressing amongst the dubious tactics from players who again really should have known better.
And so to legacy which has become one of the most quoted words around big events in recent times.
This of course is where many will quite rightly also measure the success of the World Cup. Undoubtedly the people of South Africa have a huge sense of pride and new found confidence at what they have achieved. Visitors only had to look at the beaming smiles of the locals to understand the joy they felt that their country, often doubted and misunderstood by many, had actually pulled it off and delivered. Full Time Group are delighted to be working on business, football and sport programmes in key areas to help deliver lasting legacy for South Africa and we look forward to assessing progress in months and years to come.
No doubt Brazil also has the capacity to host a wonderful FIFA World Cup in 2014, perhaps the most exciting ever. Yes there are financial and organisational challenges ahead but as a company Full Time Group are proud to be already developing projects with clubs and companies to help with the stadia construction, safety and marketing. Those four years are going to pass quickly. It’ll soon be time to samba and join the hot, noisy, colourful party!
Get ready, the countdown has begun. Até breve Brasil!
Full Time Group’s Business Performance Programmes and Specialist Sport Programmes, including TAM Football, uniquely combine our own experience with the original work of the Stanford Research Institute in California, Team Action Management (TAM) and the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University.
Robust strategies are backed by world class research in business, sport, exercise science and delivering winning performance under pressure – on and off the pitch.
Clients include BT, Blockbuster, Cadbury, Manchester United, Everton and London Wasps.
To read what our business clients say about us - click here
To read what our sport clients say about us - click here
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, is currently offering FREE one hour business and marketing sessions to show how proven strategies can be implemented into the workplace to deliver controlled change, improve performance under pressure and drive sales.
To reserve your FREE session call Danny now on 07710 723699 or email danny@fulltimegroup.com. These sessions are subject to limited availability and normally get booked up quickly.
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2010 - some questions to consider - Friday 29 January 2010
Are you one of the companies who had a good 2009 and have had a great start to 2010?
If so, we congratulate you and would be delighted to work with you to help you put your foot down hard and accelerate further ahead of the competition!
If however 2009 was tough and 2010 has not started as you would have liked, it is especially important you ask yourself some questions right now. Be brutally honest with yourself.
What is the cost of continuing to do what you are doing?
Is your current strategy working? Are sales improving? Are you getting the most value possible out of your marketing budget? How is morale? Are you and your team working at peak, 'winning performance' levels, hour after hour, day after day?
As the saying goes, if you keep on doing the same things, you will keep on getting the same results.
Do you want 2010 to be the same as 2009?
What is the cost of doing nothing?
Analysis paralysis I call it.
Sometimes people can spend so long thinking about whether to take action or not that the opportunity, and competition, has passed them by and things just get worse.
One of our sport clients and I had an interesting conversation the other day.
It's coming up to season ticket renewal time and he asked me if I thought it was wise to spend any money at all this year on marketing communications and advertising to his customer base.
Instead of the normal answer I said 'no, spend nothing'.
I asked him to imagine no marketing over the next few months and to tell me what he felt his sales would be compared to last year. Would his customers feel valued and wanted? He projected a minimum loss of around 500 season ticket holders out of 5,000. At around £200 per season ticket that represents £100,000.
The cost of doing nothing, no marketing to this club, was therefore potentially £100,000. We are now planning this club's marketing campaign.
An extreme example but think about your own business.
What is the cost of you doing nothing?
Wouldn't your competition love to hear that you are doing no marketing?
What is the worst thing that could happen if you take advantage of one of our FREE one hour business and marketing sessions?
That's right, you lose one hour of your time.
But then again it could just be the best hour you have spent so far this year.
To reserve your FREE session call Danny Stones now on 07710 723699 or send an email to danny@fulltimegroup.com. These sessions are subject to limited availability and get booked up quickly so we advise you to contact us as soon as you can.
To read what our business clients say about us - click here
To read what our sport clients say about us - click here
The sessions can take place in clients' own offices, are in total confidence and without any obligation or cost.
We ensure you get some 'quick wins' and show how proven strategies can be implemented to deliver controlled change, improve performance under pressure and drive your sales.
Full Time Group have over 12 years experience of delivering top quality solutions, very cost effectively.
Our team can advise on strategic direction, work alongside you at Director or Senior Management level, or deliver hands on implementation of projects to allow you more time to work productively in your own business.
FTG offer FREE business and marketing sessions - Monday 28 September 2009
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, offers FREE one hour business and marketing sessions for existing and new clients.
He commented 'We appreciate that many companies are finding the market tough at the moment and we are happy to announce this offer to help people address the issues they face right now. We advise how to save time, perform under pressure, maximise marketing budget return and drive sales revenue. Our proven strategies with large and small companies in the business, sport and leisure markets deliver fast, practical solutions.'
To read what our business clients say about us - click here
To read what our sport clients say about us - click here
The sessions can take place in clients' own offices, are in total confidence and without any obligation or cost - so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
To reserve your FREE session call Danny Stones now on 07710 723699 or send an email to danny@fulltimegroup.com. These sessions are subject to limited availability and get booked up quickly so we advise you to contact us as soon as you can.
Full Time Group have over 12 years experience of delivering top quality solutions, very cost effectively.
From touchline to boardroom - Thursday 24 September 2009
Football and business leaders join together at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London for the League Managers Association Annual Conference.
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, was pleased to attend the event which saw Barclays Premier League managers, Arsene Wenger, David Moyes and Gianfranco Zola joined by a host of industry leaders. The full day conference delivered a programme of key-note addresses with senior figures from the worlds of business and football discussing issues about leadership and management.
Danny Stones said: ‘Our own Full Time Group programmes have for many years combined the best management and teamwork practices from the business and sport world. This conference brought together key leaders in a vibrant and interactive way with fascinating examples of management under pressure, teamwork and talent development strategies.’
Archie Norman, former Chief Executive of Asda delivered an intriguing insight into his views on defining success. He was joined on stage by former West Ham and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley who drew parallels between Norman’s influence at Asda and his role in the growth of Charlton.
British Airways Chairman, Martin Broughton shared his vision of building long-term organisational success and developing coherent brand strategies. John Timpson, owner of high street brand Timpsons, and Stuart Pearce, England Under 21 manager, shared an entertaining discussion on talent identification and internal communication.
Other speakers and panellists included Howard Wilkinson, Chairman of the LMA, Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain, Maria Kempinska, founder of Jongleurs comedy clubs, Fru Hazlitt, business leader, and Tidjane Thiam, incoming CEO of Prudential.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger headlined the afternoon session in conversation with Greg Dyke, former BBC Director General. Wenger outlined his views on how to be an inspiring manager and leader. He entertained delegates with stories of growing up in France, learning about different nationalities and cultures, half time team talks and identifying mental toughness in young players.
The closing session was hosted by Sky Sports' Matt Lorenzo discussing the challenges and pressures of managing clubs in the Barclays Premier League with Everton’s David Moyes and West Ham’s Gianfranco Zola.
Full Time Group’s management programmes uniquely combine our own experience with the original work of the Stanford Research Institute in California, Team Action Management (TAM) and the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University.
Robust strategies are backed by world class research in business, sport, exercise science and delivering winning performance under pressure – on and off the pitch. Clients include BT, Blockbuster, Cadbury, Manchester United, Everton and London Wasps.
To read what our business clients say about us - click here
To read what our sport clients say about us - click here
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, is currently offering FREE one hour business and marketing sessions to show how proven strategies can be implemented into the workplace to deliver controlled change, improve performance under pressure and drive sales.
To reserve your FREE session call Danny now on 07710 723699 or email danny@fulltimegroup.com. These sessions are subject to limited availability and normally get booked up quickly.
FTG offer clubs FREE funding analysis - Monday 8 June 2009
Full Time Group are pleased to offer football clubs a FREE funding analysis in order to help them to maximise the opportunities for staff development and sustainable community engagement.
The company has identified various football and government funding streams which have the benefit of saving clubs time and money.
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group, commented ‘It is vital that clubs develop their people and also truly interact with their local communities but time factors and budget can sometimes restrict this. The funding streams we have identified can support the implementation of organisational development programmes like TAM Football and also link with the club’s own and Football in the Community initiatives.’
He added ‘Depending on the exact requirements of the club, the level of training and projects required, we will advance the potential funding options, normally offering two or three alternative providers for the best possible deal to suit the club’s needs.’
Rachel Scott recently joined the FTG team as Sports Funding and Project Development specialist.
She commented ‘First we need to know more about what the club is doing right now and what they would like to achieve. We can meet up or send out some simple questions, process the answers and can then come back with a number of options. We make this initial funding analysis for FREE and depending on the answers can then work on a fee only and or bonus basis on funding actually secured.’
Rachel has 14 years experience in sport development and works on projects that enable people of all ages and ability to have the opportunity to interact with their local clubs, develop their skills and lead a healthier lifestyle. She has particular knowledge in funding and has secured well over £2M on behalf of a range of different clients in the last three years. This has included £884,000 to support a three year inner city football project on behalf of a Football In the Community scheme in the Midlands.
For Rachel Scott’s full profile - click here
For more details on TAM Football - click here
For more details on the FREE funding analysis please call FTG now on 0114 2496262 and ask for Danny Stones
FTG offer TAM Football guarantee - Friday 22 May 2009
TAM Football combines long established and the very latest sport and business world teamwork and management practices to improve performance both on and off the pitch. It is a unique, organisational development programme that delivers the knowledge, skills and cultural platform for change.
Danny Stones MD of Full Time Group said, ‘I am very pleased to confirm our confidence of on going success with TAM Football by offering a guarantee – namely that where the full TAM Football programme is delivered, there will be a 100% ROI on the fee paid within a maximum of 6 months of the final TAM session or we will refund the difference. This forms part of the agreement with the individual club.’
TAM (Team Action Management) facilitates ongoing business plan development by ensuring the creation and actioning of fully costed strategic projects for the Senior Management Team to drive sales and service excellence with measurable, repeatable and auditable processes.
Danny continued, ‘Whether a team has just been promoted, relegated or is looking to make the next big steps from mid table, it is crucial to drive revenue streams forward and maximise performance of the football and business teams on and off the pitch. TAM Football positively and fully engages with and energises all stakeholders, supporters, players and staff.’
TAM Football is mainly delivered by Danny Stones and Philip Webb, who is Director of Business Development for Full Time Group and CEO of TAM (UK) plc, to combine the specialist football and business expertise required. Rob Copeland from the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University concentrates on performance under pressure and developing winning mentality on and off the pitch.
TAM is the fastest organisational development agent on the market. The structured framework of TAM reduces risk of failure and ensures the further development of the Senior Management Team whilst saving large amounts of management time and therefore cost to the club.
TAM Football combines Full Time Group’s own experience of working with 65 clubs over 12 years with the original work of the Stanford Research Institute in California and that of the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University.
For more details on TAM Football - click here
For a list of clients who have used our Specialist Sport Programmes - click here
For a no obligation appointment on how TAM Football and our other Specialist Sport Programmes or Business Performance Programmes can be deployed within your organisation and for a presentation in your own offices - click here
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Funding specialist Rachel Scott joins FTG Team - Monday 30 March 2009
Full Time Group are delighted to welcome Rachel Scott to its growing team as a specialist in Sports Funding and Project Development.
Rachel has expertise in sports related research and project development work such as sports strategies, organisational plans, feasibility studies, reviews and survey work. She has particular knowledge and experience in funding and has secured well over £2M on behalf of a range of different clients in the last three years. This has included £884,000 to support a three year inner city football project on behalf of a Football in the Community scheme in the Midlands.
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group said, ‘Rachel is a great addition to our team. Many of our clients would like to develop their staff and also to implement sustainable community programmes but just do not have the budget, time or sometimes specialist knowledge to advance their ideas. Rachel has a great array of contacts and funding expertise.’
Rachel works closely with various clubs, schools, County Sport Partnerships and also with sports National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to grow and sustain sports participation and to help nurture talented people. She has always been involved in sport, is a committed sports volunteer and has competed at sport at an elite level winning gold medals at the British and European Indoor Rowing Championships.
Rachel added, ‘I am passionate about projects that enable people to develop their skills and that allow those of all ages and ability to have the opportunity to play sport and lead a healthier lifestyle. Full Time Group works with a range of clients from high profile brands to grass roots organisations and I am excited by the potential to develop existing and new initiatives and funding options.’
Rachel originally trained in business and leisure management at Manchester University and has 14 years experience in sports development as a community Sports Development Officer and a Sport Specific Development Officer.
For Rachel Scott’s full profile - click here
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FTG expand their specialist team - Tuesday 6 January 2009
Full Time Group are delighted to welcome Dominic Risebro to their team as a specialist in Technology and Corporate Venturing.
Dominic has 17 years combined experience in sport, technology, consulting and media, recently within British Telecom (BT) Corporate Ventures advising the Board on a combined technology vision and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group commented: 'Especially in the current economic climate, it is vital to have people in your team who are used to delivering under intense pressure. Dominic has always done this in the most demanding business and sporting environments and his highly determined approach, skill sets and contacts are a great asset to us.'
Over the last few months, Dominic has raised very significant investment for clients and successfully launched key projects. He also currently assists Government, the newly formed Police Central E-Crime Unit and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) with their London 2012 Cyber Crime strategy and development programme.
Previously, Dominic led a very senior team reporting directly to the main board at BT and before that worked for Simon Jordan, one of the most innovative and demanding football chairman, at Crystal Palace.
Dominic Risebro added: 'Danny and the team have worked for me on many successful projects in the last nine years, notably for BT and Crystal Palace. We share the same strong values about driving commercial revenues and maximising performance in senior teams. Now is the right time to combine our skills and contacts.'
For Dominic Risebro's full profile - click here
TAM Restart launched - Wednesday 22 October 2008
Full Time Group, working in partnership with TAM (UK) plc, are pleased to support the launch of TAM Restart.
Many businesses in the current uncertain climate are finding that revenues are under pressure and more importantly that cash will be, or is already under pressure.
Staff are feeling less than enthused and this always translates into lower performance just when companies need the opposite. Directors often feel the stress of a number of factors that leave the business feeling squeezed, if not threatened and uncertain. Some have personal guarantees in place which they must protect at all costs.
Philip Webb, CEO of TAM (UK) plc said, 'We understand the problems facing CEOs and MDs in today's environment. TAM Restart is not a miracle cure for the economy but we guarantee high impact interventions delivered by myself and specialists in our highly skilled team to enable clients to quickly turn around their business and strengthen their financial position in the current climate.'
TAM Restart is a high impact, instant turnaround vehicle delivered directly into the business during a consecutive two and a half day period. The first half day shows the senior team how to implement an immediate change management strategy. The views of all relevant stakeholders are sought and implemented, with direct involvement of the CEO, over the next two days, facilitating your resources to drive your business forward.
Danny Stones, MD of Full Time Group added, 'It is all about giving our clients a choice of key options to suit them and their current situation. A one day consultancy with us or the two and a half days of TAM Restart both have instant impact. These both complement our Business Performance Programmes and the full Team Action Management Programme.'
For eligible clients, support is available from the Learning Skills Council to access a degree of funding for potential clients.
Culturescene gets Hungary! - Monday 20 October 2008
FTG client Culturescene have just launched their latest long weekend break destination to Hungary's striking capital Budapest.
Mark Haywood MD of Culturescene said, 'It's great to be expanding by launching a new European gateway for 2009. Budapest has been carefully selected and it is a truly beautiful and exciting destination, but one which still retains an air of mystery to many.'
Culturescene specialise in holidays for the discerning single traveller and prides itself on providing structured yet relaxed breaks for people who enjoy culture but also the fun side of life. The company uses their in depth local knowledge to plan and deliver the packages which are often overseen by the MD himself and his team. Other popular destinations currently include Prague and Barcelona.
Full Time Group delivered a marketing session to Culturescene during the challenging summer period. MD Danny Stones added, 'We worked directly with Mark to develop what it was that sets his company apart from the rest in such a competitive market. Mark and Culturescene go to admirably extreme lengths both before the break and when you are there to ensure all clients individual tastes are accounted for whilst also serving the best interests of the group.'
As of Spring 2009, Culturescene Ltd are offering long weekend breaks to Hungary's capital. With a documented history and wealth of popular attractions, the city of Budapest offers travellers the ideal short break getaway. Divided by the Danube River, the city houses the medieval streets of Buda to the West, with the modern, cosmopolitan district of Pest to the River's East.
To read what Culturescene say about us - click here
For further information on Culturescene's forthcoming tours, please visit culturescence.co.uk
FTG secure Scimitars major sponsorship - Friday 19 September 2008
The new four-star Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, which opens on 17 November, is to be the main title sponsor of Sheffield Scimitars ice hockey team for the 2008/2009 season.
'We are delighted to have worked with the Scimitars to secure the Copthorne as their main sponsor for this season. Our team was faced with a tight deadline in a difficult market and the results were very pleasing for all parties. I know the hotel will benefit enormously from involvement in what is an exciting, fast-growing and popular sport both here in Sheffield and nationally', says Danny Stones, Managing Director of Full Time Group.
Based at the £15.5M iceSheffield development, which attracts over 350,000 visitors a year and offers a 1500-seat ice arena, the Sheffield Scimitars are the newest and the youngest team competing in the English Premier League.
'Our aim is to become Sheffield's leading hotel for business and leisure, so linking up with the Scimitars is an excellent way to become further engaged in the local community and help raise our profile amongst a wide target audience', says Orla Watt, the Copthorne's General Manager.
'The great work done by the Scimitars Academy and the club's ongoing work with charities such as Sheffield Children's Hospital and Cash for Kids were also drivers behind our decision to become title sponsor', continues Orla.
Martin Birch, Chairman of the Scimitars added, 'This is a great association for us and this season will be particularly exciting as our new Head Coach, Ron Shudra, a legend in UK ice hockey and an ex-NHL player with the Edmonton Oilers, has been busy building a dynamic new team.'
The 158-bed purpose Copthorne hotel, a joint venture between Sheffield United and
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc, will offer the most extensive conferencing facilities east of the Pennines, with executive suites, meeting rooms, a stylish bar, 100-cover Pavilion restaurant and a state-of-the-art fitness suite that incorporates a 56-station gym.
TAM goes SME! - Wednesday 28 November 2007
Full Time Group and TAM UK are pleased to announce the launch of the SME version of the acclaimed TAM programme.
Following increasing demand from small to medium enterprises across the regions, Full Time Group and TAM UK have developed a 'lite' version of the programme. Retaining the full power of the TAM change module and the resultant fair play platform that drives the increased performance of the organisation, the 'lite' variation is more focused and entrepreneurial in its style.
With a reduced number of learning workshops, but tailored to suit the SME, TAM benefits are delivered in the same way.
Phil Webb, Full Time Group Director of Business Development and director of TAM UK said "We have always allowed TAM to be deployed in organisations from 30 employees upwards, but the costs of a full TAM programme were considered a barrier to many SME's. The revised structures and costs of the TAM 'lite' makes the power of this unique transformational agent available to all entrepreneurs and SME's as well as the larger organisations. We are very pleased to address this need and respond to our clients requests."
Full Time Group’s Business Performance Programmes and TAM sessions are delivered as a series of team based learning workshops, then a strategic change session that provides the Directors with the resultant upsurge in organisational energy and positive attitude, which in turn delivers increased performance, profits, change and an impressive return on investment.
For a no obligation appointment on how our Business Performance Programmes, our Specialist Sport Programmes and Team Action Management (TAM) can be deployed within your organisation and for a presentation of TAM in your own offices - click here
FTG launch new website - Monday 26 November 2007
As part of the company’s ongoing expansion and export plans, Full Time Group have launched their new website.
Coinciding with the 10 year anniversary of the company, Full Time Group have been working with South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC), part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, on the Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS).
Managing Director Danny Stones said 'This is an exciting time for Full Time Group. It is important that we continue to present our company to all our clients in the most simple but effective way we can. I am delighted with the financial and specialist support we have received through SYITC, the Chamber of Commerce and the TESS programme.'
TESS is for local businesses who are looking to significantly increase their exports and supports strategic market development activities for up to 12 months.
Established in 1997, Full Time Group works in the business, sport and leisure markets driving up revenue and profits for individual companies, clubs and organisations. This is achieved through the company’s proven Business Performance Programmes, Specialist Sports Programmes and Creative Solutions Projects.
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Pele in Sheffield - Friday 9 November 2007
Brazilian football legend Pele, widely regarded as the world's greatest ever player, has spent three days in Sheffield as part of United’s growing links with Sao Paulo.
During his time in the city, Pele also helped to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the world’s oldest club, Sheffield FC, by attending their match against Inter Milan.
Pele said 'It is an immense pleasure to be here, emanating from the fact that the first rules of football were also created here in Sheffield.'
Sheffield United plc Chairman, Kevin McCabe added 'We are honoured and delighted to have Pele with us on such a special week.'
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Blatter hails Sheffield as home of football - Thursday 25 October 2007
FIFA President Sepp Blatter hailed Sheffield FC as the home of football at a special celebration last night (24 October) to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.
Blatter, along with FA chairman Geoff Thompson, former sports minister Richard Caborn and a host of other well known faces from English football attended a special Thanksgiving to football service at Sheffield Cathedral and a gala dinner at the Cutlers' Hall.
The event celebrated Sheffield FC as the world's first football club and how they have helped develop the game across the globe.
Mr Blatter said: 'I am honoured to be here, together with the FIFA vice-president and FA Chairman Geoff Thompson and all our other distinguished guests. It is an exceptional gathering in this good city of Sheffield, the greatest city in England!
'We are all in the house of football and Sheffield FC is the basis of our organisation. I come here to celebrate this occasion as a representative of one billion people worldwide who are directly and indirectly linked with football, to compliment the very first football club in our big family.'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown also sent a message of support saying: 'It is with great pleasure that I am able to send a message of support to everyone involved with Sheffield Football Club as they celebrate their 150th Anniversary.
'As the world's first football club and founder member of the Football Association, Sheffield FC has played an important role in the beginning of the nation's long lasting love affair with football.'
