News from the frontline Club Finance Summit – 25 May, 2023 We are in exceptional times where financial uncertainty has affected us all. In this topical and engaging Finance Summit, CMAE and attendees will discuss financial planning, current trends and best practice as well as finding out what it is exactly that the Treasurer needs you to know by breaking down key terms and clarifying meanings. This is also a great opportunity to bring along your Treasurer or CFO and enjoy a day of education together. The Summit will be recorded and circulated to all who have signed up for the day. Places are limited to 45 delegates, so book early. • Turn to page 35 in this issue for more details and how to book.
Ethnically Diverse Managers in Golf 2023 Bursary The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF), the education bursary arm of CMAE, and The R&A are continuing to award five bursaries for aspiring and existing golf club managers from ethnically diverse backgrounds for the second year running.
Club Awards 2023 have now launched The 2023 Club Awards are now open for entries. The Awards recognise the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who work to ensure a healthy future for their clubs and members, celebrating clubs of all types and sizes. See pages 19-23 for a snapshot of the 2022 Awards. • Deadline for entries – August 16, 2023. Visit www.clubawards.co.uk
Club Benchmarking EMEA announces Premier Partnership with CMAE The CMAE is delighted to announce a new Premier Partnership with data analysis company Club Benchmarking EMEA, a provider of powerful business intelligence software and services for clubs of all types. Craig Cotterill, CMAE Commercial Director, said: “Access to fact-based insight and industry specific data is something that every business needs to make informed decisions.
CMAE’s Clive Cotterill (left) and Torbjörn Johansson (right) with Club Benchmarking EMEA’s James Burns
The CMAE is delighted to support our member clubs through our latest Premier Partner agreement with Club Benchmarking EMEA.” Key financial drivers, the importance of capital planning, and data-driven measurement of member satisfaction, loyalty and attachment are a key areas addressed by the company. James Burns, Managing Director of Club Benchmarking EMEA, said: “This key partnership provides us with the opportunity to be at the leading edge of club management education in Europe. We believe that private clubs in Europe will benefit greatly from factbased insight just as they have in North America and Australia.” • Click here for more details on Club Benchmarking
Obbi Golf – £1.25m investment
Belfast-based software company Obbi Golf has celebrated its first birthday by raising a £1.25m investment, leading to the creation of 14 jobs. The award-winning software product is helping to change the way golf clubs manage their compliance, safety and training, and the company. The tech start-up secured investment from TechStart Ventures and a small number of individuals, led by entrepreneur Patrick McAliskey, who has also joined Obbi Golf as its new Chairman. • For more information on Obbi Golf click here.
The bursaries are funded by The R&A as part of its commitment to increase the ethnic diversity of those working in the golf industry. Research conducted by The R&A among those from ethnically diverse communities has suggested that role models are key to demonstrating that golf is open to all, not only as a participant in the sport but as a professional career opportunity. The recipients of the bursaries will each have place on the CMAE’s Management Development Education Programme (MDP). The bursaries start with a place on MDP 1, which covers the remit of operational skills required to run a Club, with the hope that participants will then progress through the MDP pathway to gain the Club Management Diploma (CMDip), seen as the club industry’s benchmark management qualification. Awards will be made by 26th May for recipients to choose the most appropriate location in Europe or the Middle East to take MDP1. The five places awarded in 2023 will be allocated, if possible, to two from GB&I; two from Europe and one from Africa/Middle East. Potential applicants should apply online at this link. • Closing date for applications is 28 April, 2023. CLUBHOUSE EUROPE 5