Sport advisory service kicks off

LAW firm JMW has teamed up with three other firms to launch a new service for sports businesses and professionals.

The Manchester firm is teaming up with insurer Lockton’s sport dvisiion, a property venture ran by former England football captain Bryan Robson and business advisers BDO to create TotalSports Services.

The new business, which also features former Bury FC and Sheffield United director Terry Robinson aims to provide sports clubs and players with services to help deal with the growing range of professional and financial issues.

Mr Robinson, a director of TotalSports Services said: “In Manchester, there is a world leading football and sporting scene. Clubs of all sizes are facing challenging economic times, in addition to tighter tax laws and tougher employer, immigration and health and safety regulations.

“TotalSports Services is designed specifically to provide the people and companies working in, or associated with, the sports industry with access with top flight professional advice.”

Legal advice will be provided by JMW, while sports insurance and risk management advice comes from Lockton Sport. Property consulting is provided by GVA Robson Sports, which is a link-up between Bryan Robson and property firm GVA, while BDO will supply financial and tax advice.

Bryan Robson said: “Total Sports Services provides a single source of commercial advice for all professional sports clubs from football through to rugby and cricket.

“All the firms involved in the consortium are leading providers to the sports industry and are specialists in their fields of expertise. We are delighted to be working alongside JMW, BDO and Lockton to provide what I think is a unique and invaluable service for any club.”