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Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

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GEOFFBEE

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Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Maybe this is for a new thread, but did the club and BU try other parties re the naming rights for the Braemar Road roof?
If BU are only paying for the cost of the signeage, then, effectively, BFC are not getting anything for that site at all.
Call me an optimist, but , surely, the value of that site must be worth a lot more than zilch? Or was there simply no firm out there prepared to pay anything?
And, is the cost of that signeage , albeit a " modest four figure sum" a good way to spend BU members contributions? Could that money have been used, instead, towards other marketing campaigns, eg for attracting new membership, or initiatives for boosting support at Griffin Park, or for donating to the club? Or, of course, for building up the funds that it has recently said it may need in the future?
I feel sure there must be good reasoning behind these decisions, so I would be very interested in hearing more.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

GEOFFBEE said:
Maybe this is for a new thread, but did the club and BU try other parties re the naming rights for the Braemar Road roof?
If BU are only paying for the cost of the signeage, then, effectively, BFC are not getting anything for that site at all.
Click to expand...

It's not for the roof.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

GEOFFBEE said:
Maybe this is for a new thread, but did the club and BU try other parties re the naming rights for the Braemar Road roof?
If BU are only paying for the cost of the signeage, then, effectively, BFC are not getting anything for that site at all.
Call me an optimist, but , surely, the value of that site must be worth a lot more than zilch? Or was there simply no firm out there prepared to pay anything?
And, is the cost of that signeage , albeit a " modest four figure sum" a good way to spend BU members contributions? Could that money have been used, instead, towards other marketing campaigns, eg for attracting new membership, or initiatives for boosting support at Griffin Park, or for donating to the club? Or, of course, for building up the funds that it has recently said it may need in the future?
I feel sure there must be good reasoning behind these decisions, so I would be very interested in hearing more.
Click to expand...

The idea is an excellent one and came from the club, not Bees United. If the club manages to secure naming rights, the Trust will happily stand aside. It's not for the roof by the way. It's an excellent way of publicising the Trust and boosting its branding at Griffin Park. For too long there has been little exposure for Bees United inside Griffin Park. The trust's role is one of governance Geoff, so boosting support is down to the club, the Sports Trust and BIAS. Results gets bums on seats, so that's where BU plays a role, albeit indirectly.

I assume you are in favour of the idea Geoff?
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Geoff if there had been a sponsor out there willing to pay the commercial rate (or even close) for the stand sponsorship then the club would quite properly have taken the money.

Unfortunately in the current financial climate there is little commercial or marketing investment available to put into lower division clubs.

You may have noticed that more and more clubs including some at a higher level like West Brom have failed to attract shirt sponsorship at all and if you think it is bad now then I think it will be a blood bath next season when many existing contracts expire.

Despite that should a company wish to buy this opportunity then BU will of course relinquish its position.

As for whether this is a good use of BU funds, well everyone will have their own opinion.

Mine is that we currently have nearly 2,000 members, under half the existing fanbase.

The branding, naming rights exposure and any associated PR activity linked to an otherwise unsponsored stand will serve to keep BU and what it stands for top of mind and also raise its profile amongst supporters and all visitors to Griffin Park.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

abee said:
It's not for the roof.
Click to expand...

Sorry, abee. Yes, it is naming rights for the stand.
I still would have though the naming rights for the stand could have brought in a useful sum?
Anyway, does this mean the club still has scope for selling the 'advertising space' on the front of the roof and the top of the roof?
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

GEOFFBEE said:
Sorry, abee. Yes, it is naming rights for the stand.
I still would have though the naming rights for the stand could have brought in a useful sum?
Anyway, does this mean the club still has scope for selling the 'advertising space' on the front of the roof and the top of the roof?
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In an ideal world we would sell the naming rights to all four stands but the reality is that there is no interest. To my knowledge we have only once sold the naming rights to a stand and that was to 'Refreshing Solutions' who did not renew and it all finished a bit messily. Another 'swan' that turned out to be a 'goose'. The Club at its own expense painted out the Refreshing Solutions signage but you can still see some of the old paintwork. Bees United are having signage both forecourt and pitchside which will at the very least freshen up the appearance. It's the same in many ways as New Road for which we could never sell the naming rights and which was named Bill Axbey Stand 'gratis'.

I confirm that the club still has the scope to sell the advertising space on the front and back of the Braemar Road roof.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

abee said:
In an ideal world we would sell the naming rights to all four stands but the reality is that there is no interest. To my knowledge we have only once sold the naming rights to a stand and that was to 'Refreshing Solutions' who did not renew and it all finished a bit messily. Another 'swan' that turned out to be a 'goose'. The Club at its own expense painted out the Refreshing Solutions signage but you can still see some of the old paintwork. Bees United are having signage both forecourt and pitchside which will at the very least freshen up the appearance. It's the same in many ways as New Road for which we could never sell the naming rights and which was named Bill Axbey Stand 'gratis'.

I confirm that the club still has the scope to sell the advertising space on the front and back of the Braemar Road roof.
Click to expand...

Thanks, abee, and NLB and, of course, Mr Rebus.
The clarifications and explanations are appreciated.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

abee said:
I confirm that the club still has the scope to sell the advertising space on the front and back of the Braemar Road roof.
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How about the underside of the roof?

Quite a lot of people end up gazing upwards when there's a near miss, not an opportunity BU should be missing IMHO :wave:






:fishing:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

It has been and always will be the "South " stand :rolleyes:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

GEOFFBEE said:
And, is the cost of that signeage , albeit a " modest four figure sum" a good way to spend BU members contributions? Could that money have been used, instead, towards other marketing campaigns, eg for attracting new membership, or initiatives for boosting support at Griffin Park,.
Click to expand...

I think that this idea is the best one to achieve the goals that you highlight. Better than handing out leaflets IMHO
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

GEOFFBEE said:
Maybe this is for a new thread, but did the club and BU try other parties re the naming rights for the Braemar Road roof?
If BU are only paying for the cost of the signeage, then, effectively, BFC are not getting anything for that site at all.
Call me an optimist, but , surely, the value of that site must be worth a lot more than zilch? Or was there simply no firm out there prepared to pay anything?
And, is the cost of that signeage , albeit a " modest four figure sum" a good way to spend BU members contributions? Could that money have been used, instead, towards other marketing campaigns, eg for attracting new membership, or initiatives for boosting support at Griffin Park, or for donating to the club? Or, of course, for building up the funds that it has recently said it may need in the future?
I feel sure there must be good reasoning behind these decisions, so I would be very interested in hearing more.
Click to expand...

Good questions Geoff. I must say as well that you have always been rightly critical when there is no BU presence in the matchday programme, so your highlighted question holds a certain amount of irony for me.

As part of its current push to increase membership and standing orders, BU was looking at making its presence felt at Griffin Park. I think I'm right in saying that BU has, over the years, had next to nothing to remind our fans, visiting fans and TV viewers who owns the Club. The latest announcement is only one in a package of initiatives we hope to announce over the next few months.

We wanted to raise BU's profile in the Club's home ground and were looking at taking something much smaller, like a perimeter board, or perhaps creating a new poster site within the ground. However, the Club kindly offered BU much more than that, namely the Braemar Road stand. What a Refreshing Solution we thought. ;)

As to the value of the naming rights, that obviously depends on the market. And in the current climate, the Club has decided for at least next season that its value is what BU is paying. It's also worth adding that the Bill Axbey stand has no commercial naming element, and also carries advertising on its roof from the Qatari airline. Our deal is not exclusive.

As to the cost for BU versus the likely benefit, that is always debatable. However, as part of the package of things we're doing to raise BU's profile, increase membership and grow the number of standing orders, we think it should help us reach our objectives. Naming the Braemar Road stand as the Bees United stand on season ticket renewals and application forms – when fans are told that BU membership has been automatically included in the cost – must be helpful at the very least. It also makes a statement to lapsed members and occasional or even frequent visitors to Griffin Park, who may join BU as a result of the heightened awareness.

It should also be borne in mind that we hope to keep members for much longer than the stand is named after Bees United, so the cost is for the membership lifetime of new members, not just for one season.

And, we must admit, there is a certain satisfaction in having the main stand named after the club's fans' organisation.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

While we're at it could we re-rebrand the Paddock back to the Enclosure and hopefully forget the terrible behaviour that goes on in there.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

I actually think 'The Bees United Stand' actually sounds quite good to.

I think this is a good idea and as abee notes if a paying sponsor comes in Bees United will step aside.

I can produce a good database of marketing decision makers in companies that might (just might) go for roof sponsorship if anyone at the club wants it. Perhaps the club should approach the BA Cabin Crew union + suggest they might want to use it to send a message...? ;)
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Lokster said:
I can produce a good database of marketing decision makers in companies that might (just might) go for roof sponsorship if anyone at the club wants it.
Click to expand...

I'm sure that Gary Hooper would appreciate it.


:wave:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Club Badge

Has anyone noticed that we don't even advertise Brentford FC on the main stand inside the ground. Surely, with the dull grey facia, BFC could have had a club badge made and positioned bang smack in the middle of it.

Maybe BU will put their crest there, which looks good:sorted:

Sometimes the obvious gets missed IMO
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

westwing said:
Has anyone noticed that we don't even advertise Brentford FC on the main stand inside the ground. Surely, with the dull grey facia, BFC could have had a club badge made and positioned bang smack in the middle of it.

Maybe BU will put their crest there, which looks good:sorted:

Sometimes the obvious gets missed IMO
Click to expand...

In an ideal world yes, but 5-10k for the costs would be better spent on players I guess. Would love the stand to have red and white stripes plus crest but there's better stuff to spend money on.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

If we are to be in our new Stadium within 5 years, then any commercial revenue from the naming of the "Braemar Road" Stand would be relatively insignificant ? Far better therefore to use it in the way proposed for the benefit of Bees United.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Shirley Bee said:
Good questions Geoff. I must say as well that you have always been rightly critical when there is no BU presence in the matchday programme, so your highlighted question holds a certain amount of irony for me.

As part of its current push to increase membership and standing orders, BU was looking at making its presence felt at Griffin Park. I think I'm right in saying that BU has, over the years, had next to nothing to remind our fans, visiting fans and TV viewers who owns the Club. The latest announcement is only one in a package of initiatives we hope to announce over the next few months.

We wanted to raise BU's profile in the Club's home ground and were looking at taking something much smaller, like a perimeter board, or perhaps creating a new poster site within the ground. However, the Club kindly offered BU much more than that, namely the Braemar Road stand. What a Refreshing Solution we thought. ;)

As to the value of the naming rights, that obviously depends on the market. And in the current climate, the Club has decided for at least next season that its value is what BU is paying. It's also worth adding that the Bill Axbey stand has no commercial naming element, and also carries advertising on its roof from the Qatari airline. Our deal is not exclusive.

As to the cost for BU versus the likely benefit, that is always debatable. However, as part of the package of things we're doing to raise BU's profile, increase membership and grow the number of standing orders, we think it should help us reach our objectives. Naming the Braemar Road stand as the Bees United stand on season ticket renewals and application forms – when fans are told that BU membership has been automatically included in the cost – must be helpful at the very least. It also makes a statement to lapsed members and occasional or even frequent visitors to Griffin Park, who may join BU as a result of the heightened awareness.

It should also be borne in mind that we hope to keep members for much longer than the stand is named after Bees United, so the cost is for the membership lifetime of new members, not just for one season.

And, we must admit, there is a certain satisfaction in having the main stand named after the club's fans' organisation.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Shirley Bee.
For the record, though, I wish to point out that the criticism from myself, and some others,of BU's presence in some of last season's programmes was that it did not seem to be significantly promoting fund-raising etc( we did not know about Mr Benham, of course!)
Moving forward, now that the reasoning for the naming and signeage has been explained by you and other BU and BFC directors on here, may I suggest that, rather than just saying "BEES UNITED", the signeage should also be an advertisement urging fans to join? Maybe with a tel no, and e-mail address etc?
Now that really would be a REFRESHING SOLUTION?:)
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Given no commercial sponsor is currently interested I think the Bees United Stand is a good move. Agree with GEOFFBEE that the signeage should also act as call to action to join BU.
Well done to all those who finalised the Matthew B deal as well.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

can you hear the bees united stand sing,
no-o, no-o,
can you hear the bees united stand sing,
i can't hear a ƒ█████ thing


well i've tested the new name out, and i have to say, i rather like it!
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Financial prudence...

May I suggest that, to demonstrate his commitment to supporters unity, and financial prudence, the fiscally parsiminious Rebus takes on the job of signwriting and painting this stand?
A few pots of paint and brushes from the pound shop, and he should be able to save us a fortune.
I know the ladder can be a bit wobbly, but I will be happy to hold it for him.
As best I can...
:D
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

With England bidding for the 2018 world cup why don't the club contact the F.A. about a roof sponsorship as it's seen by all the flights landing at Heathrow and I think you can just about see it from the M4 or even have the 2012 Olympic logo on the roof.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
With England bidding for the 2018 world cup why don't the club contact the F.A. about a roof sponsorship as it's seen by all the flights landing at Heathrow and I think you can just about see it from the M4 or even have the 2012 Olympic logo on the roof.
Click to expand...

Now that is an idea.
Possibly, also, some major firms may be interested in having a presence on our roofing for 2012?
I presume, though, from the earlier answers on here, that this type of thing has been tried?
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Or another option could be individual block sponsorship McDonalds/Toys R Us etc for the family/kids block and maybe Weight watchers for the paddock :D then the sponsors could have someone there to give away leaflets or discount vouchers for their products.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
With England bidding for the 2018 world cup why don't the club contact the F.A. about a roof sponsorship as it's seen by all the flights landing at Heathrow and I think you can just about see it from the M4 or even have the 2012 Olympic logo on the roof.
Click to expand...

I think approaching some 2012 Olympic sponsors is a good idea.

As far as the 2018 bid is concerned the FA don't spend much money marketing the bid, they expect their partners to do so instead!
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Oh no, everyone is goning to think we're called Brentford United.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
With England bidding for the 2018 world cup why don't the club contact the F.A. about a roof sponsorship as it's seen by all the flights landing at Heathrow and I think you can just about see it from the M4 or even have the 2012 Olympic logo on the roof.
Click to expand...

Womble said:
Or another option could be individual block sponsorship McDonalds/Toys R Us etc for the family/kids block and maybe Weight watchers for the paddock :D then the sponsors could have someone there to give away leaflets or discount vouchers for their products.
Click to expand...

There's a couple of great ideas.

jharvey85 said:
Oh no, everyone is goning to think we're called Brentford United.
Click to expand...

Some clubs already do.

Southend and Rotherham to name but two.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

rebus said:
In an ideal world yes, but 5-10k for the costs would be better spent on players I guess. Would love the stand to have red and white stripes plus crest but there's better stuff to spend money on.
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The stand dosn't even need the stripes but that would look good.
I am just stating that we don't even have the club badge on the main stand.
Brentford FC don't advertise their own brand on their own stand.
That would be like a private Company not showing its logo in the business premises. I think a club badge on the fascia would look well smart:sorted:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

westwing said:
The stand dosn't even need the stripes but that would look good.
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Didn't the New Road Stand roof use to have red and white stripes on it?
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

TW3Bee said:
Didn't the New Road Stand roof use to have red and white stripes on it?
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Maybe, but the club badge needs to have a place in the middle of the Braemar Stand fascia. Why should we expext outside businesses to advertise within GP if we don't even advertise the brand ourselves in our own ground.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Certainly does westwing, I couldn't agree more.
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
And just who is going to pay for all of this ? A sponsor ? :D
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All of what Mr. Womble ?

How much does a giant club badge cost ?

I realise that BFC and BU have other things to spend their dosh on but the Stand looks bare and not complete, this is really noticeable if you sit in New Rd and stand in Ealing Rd.

Surely it is also a proud symbol of recognition to visiting clubs:)

Many clubs have this, why not ours!
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
And just who is going to pay for all of this ? A sponsor ? :D
Click to expand...

I wonder if the club has ever spoken to Fullers.....their brewery is called the Griffin brewery, they have a bee on a bottle of honey dew...jeez more more hints can they drop :rolleyes:....and we could sell their delicious beer instead of the pisswater we sell now. It seems like the ideal partnership to me ?
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

I don't mind being the sacrificial lamb to go down to the Griffin brewery to try the stuff to see if it matches up to Brentfords high standards of sponsors :D
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

westwing said:
All of what Mr. Womble ?

How much does a giant club badge cost ?

I realise that BFC and BU have other things to spend their dosh on but the Stand looks bare and not complete, this is really noticeable if you sit in New Rd and stand in Ealing Rd.

Surely it is also a proud symbol of recognition to visiting clubs:)

Many clubs have this, why not ours!
Click to expand...

I recon it would cost in excess of £1000 to have a sign made and put up.Just move to the Paddock and your badge problem is solved :fishing:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

shouldbee said:
I wonder if the club has ever spoken to Fullers.....their brewery is called the Griffin brewery, they have a bee on a bottle of honey dew...jeez more more hints can they drop :rolleyes:....and we could sell their delicious beer instead of the pisswater we sell now. It seems like the ideal partnership to me ?
Click to expand...

This is only second-hand, but I believe Fullers' standard answer/excuse/fob off is that their brand is London Pride, they're a London brewery, and they don't want to show any favouritism towards any particular London club.
Marginally better than: "No, get lost," I suppose. :rolleyes:
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
I recon it would cost in excess of £1000 to have a sign made and put up.Just move to the Paddock and your badge problem is solved :fishing:
Click to expand...

In the big world of business, that kind of money is peanuts, I bet BFC have wasted money on less important things over the years.

If BU sponser the stand, maybe they should also sponser the badge:)
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

I think this is an excellent move by the club and the Trust and one that will, hopefully, boost the trusts coffers through memberships etc. I have no objection to naming rights on all the stands. It'll always be Braemar Road in my eyes and no naming will change that
 

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Naming rights for Braemar Road stand

Womble said:
Or another option could be individual block sponsorship McDonalds/Toys R Us etc for the family/kids block and maybe Weight watchers for the paddock :D then the sponsors could have someone there to give away leaflets or discount vouchers for their products.
Click to expand...

I like your original idea about roof sponsorship linked to London 2012 or our bid for the 2018 World Cup. That sounds like a real possibility.

This other idea also has merit. Would Spearmint Rhino be interested in sponsoring a section of the New Road nearest the away end :idea: A few of there staff could hand out whatever they liked and even give some free demonstrations as part of the pre-match and half-time entertainment. A tad more interesting than the centre-circle challenge.

There you go - two birds with one stone (so to speak). If the club want I'll pop in to Spearmint Rhino to put forward some ideas.
 
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