Distinction scrums down with Nottingham Rugby to try for Premiership

A fast-growing Nottingham digital agency has become the official digital marketing partner of its local rugby club.

Distinction, which is based in the city’s Creative Quarter, has offices in the Birkin Building. The club was established in around 1877 by Alexander Birkin – grandson of Richard Birkin, one of Nottingham’s most famous lace manufacturers.

Now, the firm has teamed up with Nottingham Rugby, an RFU Championship club, which plays its homes matches at The Bay in the Lady Bay area of Nottingham.

Under the new partnership, Distinction will be tasked with increasing awareness of the club and increasing both home and away attendances through leading innovative digital-based campaigns for both Friday evening and Sunday games.

Distinction, alongside creative agency The Dairy, will be working on all aspects of digital marketing for Nottingham Rugby including website optimisation, email marketing, social media marketing and data collection and analysis.

Henry France, digital marketing manager at Distinction, said: “We’re partnering with Nottingham Rugby at a very exciting time; the club is currently third in the National League and we’re determined to transform its marketing into that of one fit for Premiership Rugby.

“Already, our efforts are reaping rewards with attendances rising, and engagement and followers across Nottingham Rugby’s social media platforms rising by 10% in ten weeks.

“We’re extremely proud to support Nottingham, and all of its sports teams. Although we have offices in London and the USA, our roots are in the city and we take great pride in supporting our local community. We look forward to supporting Nottingham Rugby over the remainder of the season and hopefully celebrating promotion to the Premiership.”

Nottingham Rugby marketing and operations officer Simon Ball-McQueen added: “It’s great news for the club to be able to work with such a professional and dynamic team at Distinction. We’re still a small club in terms of backroom and office staff, so to have Distinction come on board and support us with our digital marketing is huge for us.”

“We already seen excellent crowds at The Bay this season, as we continue to promote our ‘Friday Night Lights’ fixtures and we hope that this is the start of something much bigger, both in terms of attendances and our partnership with Distinction.”