Swindon & Wiltshire News
Bristol padel competition set to grow after proving an instant hit with business community
A corporate padel competition that was launched this year to unite professionals across Bristol is set to expand after its inaugural season was hailed a success by organisers.
Bristol’s first-ever Corporate Padel League has not only brought together people from companies across the city’s business community, but it has also raised valuable funds for the Bristol Bears Foundation.
The league has proved popular across the commercial sector and was contested by 30 players representing 12 local companies, with 56 matches taking place at The Padel Team sports complex, on Barrow Road, Lawrence Hill.
The competition has been such a hit with local businesses that the expansion of the league is now being actively considered by the partnership behind the initiative.
Organised by The Padel Team and fit-out specialists, Morgan Lovell, it was created to bring businesses together through padel, providing a unique opportunity to connect, compete and build relationships outside the traditional networking environment.
The team behind the league are looking to build on its initial success after it lived up to its billing as a way of combining friendly competition with community, helping professionals from various industries connect both on and off the court.
The eight-week competition culminated with a networking event celebrating the league’s success and connections formed throughout the competition, while also welcoming businesses that had not participated to expand networking opportunities and further strengthen links across Bristol’s wider business community.
The end-of-season get-together saw 40 padel players representing 16 businesses head to The Padel Team courts to try their hand at the fast-growing sport with three pairs toasting success after topping their groups.
Local bragging rights were earned by Lloyd Davies and Alex Lloyd, from the Burges Salmon law firm, Sulli Gardner and Ben Millar, of fit-out specialists Morgan Lovell, and Nathan Sheehan and Tom Goard, of premium workplace furniture manufacturer Orangebox.
The runners-up were Krome Keycaps duo Luke Jackson and Sam Hopton, Toby Lai and James Wright, of engineering firm Stantec, and accountancy firm S&W pairing Fred Wigmore and Alex Sowerby.
Bristol-based Morgan Lovell Business Development Manager Sulli Gardner, who organised the competition, is confident the initiative will now go from strength to strength.
“Working in partnership with The Padel Team, we’ve created something very special for the fantastic businesses in Bristol by putting the emphasis on being inclusive,” Sulli said.
“Padel is a dynamic, fast-paced sport that’s really addictive and our pilot scheme has been such an outstanding success, we can’t wait to get going with the next one that will be even bigger and better.
“Also, being able to link up with Bristol Bears Foundation to support their brilliant work and provide social value through the event has been icing on the cake.”
His views were echoed by Sam McKibbin, The Padel Team Director, who added: “At The Padel Team, we’re passionate about building communities through sport.
“The Corporate Padel League has shown how powerful padel can be in bringing people together because it’s fun, addictive and a sport people quickly fall in love with.
“The league has been a huge success and we’re all excited at the prospect of continuing to create opportunities for businesses across Bristol to connect in a more meaningful way.”
It was thanks to the efforts of all the participants that Bristol Bears Foundation, which aims to tackle the impacts of inequality by inspiring healthier, stronger and more connected communities, was boosted by £360 through entry fees.
Ollie Morton, Bristol Bears Foundation Head of Projects and Development, is confident the show of support will help the charity maintain its growing impact across local communities.
“The Corporate Padel League was a fantastic event and a brilliant opportunity to connect with businesses from across Bristol,” Ollie said.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support shown to Bristol Bears Foundation, as the funds raised will make a real difference to our work across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.”
