Sponsorship Proposal

2018/2019

This open call for sponsorship is being made by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid Ulster District Council.

1. Background

“ALIGN YOUR BRAND WITH A MUST VISIT MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATION”Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid Ulster District Council is seeking a sponsor for Northern Ireland’s iconic National Mountain Bike Trail Centres in Rostrevor, Castlewellan and Davagh Forest.

In 2013, £2.3 Million was invested in the generation of over 100km of purpose-built mountain bike trails across Northern Ireland. The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium was established to promote these National Trail Centres and work with the private sector to transform Northern Ireland into a ‘must visit’ mountain bike destination in the UK and Ireland.

Five years on, Northern Ireland’s mountain bike trails continue to receive critical acclaim from the world’s leading mountain bike media and visitor numbers at each National Trail Centre continue to vastly exceed all initial forecasts. From January – December 2017, the three National Trail Centres were visited over 64,380 times.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland is currently delivering a 10-year strategy for mountain biking in Northern Ireland and there is now an opportunity for a sponsor to gain targeted brand recognition through alignment with a must visit mountain bike destination until March 2019 with the potential option to extend until the end of March 2020.

Key outputs of this sponsorship will include:

Brand AssociationSponsor’s brand will be synonymous with the MountainBikeNI.com brand as well as each of Northern Ireland’s National Mountain Bike Trail Centres

Naming Rights Sponsor will have the opportunity to name two predetermined trail sections from each National Trail Centre including Northern Ireland’s only official downhill trails in Rostrevor

On-Site BrandingSponsor’s branding will be incorporated into trailhead information and throughout each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres

Consumer MarketingSponsor will be incorporated within industry leading consumer marketing activity including integrated offline/online campaigns with specialist media

This document outlines this unique sponsorship opportunity in more detail including an overview of each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres, current MountainBikeNI.com marketing activity, benefits of sponsorship activation and process which applicants should follow.

2. Three World Class Mountain Bike Trail Centres

2.1 Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails

On the shores of Carlingford Lough, the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails boast over 45km of exhilarating cross-country trails as well as Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built downhill trails. The trail centre was visited 18,600 times in 2017.

Listed as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in MBUK’s Top 50 Trail Centres in UK (2015), the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails have hosted a number of major events including the Red Bull Foxhunt, World Police & Fire Games, Irish National Marathon Championships, Irish National Cross-Country Championships, Irish National Downhill Championships and VITUS First Tracks Enduro Cup.

What specialist media say… “Rostrevor is a landmark moment for mountain biking in Ireland” MBUK “Although this is a trail centre it feels like more of a proper big day out in the mountains,

with a committing feel from the start” Singletrack “Unlike much else in the UK” mbr “This (Kodak Corner) has to be one of the best mountain biking views in Ireland” Outsider

What pro mountain bikers say… “The trails are fast and rough, I love this place” Gee Atherton (Former DH World Champion) “Rostrevor has to be one of the best Trail Parks I've ridden” Blake Samson (Slopestyle Rider)

2.2 Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails

Northern Ireland’s most popular trail centre, the Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails have been ridden nearly 30,000 times in 2017 and with a range of trails to suit all ages and abilities, not to mention stunning ‘mountainscape’ views of the Mourne Mountains, it’s easy to see why this place has been such a success story.

Located just minutes from Castlewellan village, this National Trail Centre is an ideal mountain bike event venue and has already successfully hosted the Single Speed European Championships, Ulster Cross-Country Championships and VITUS First Tracks Enduro Cup.

What the media say… “Fast, flowing manmade trails set against a stunning backdrop” MBUK Magazine “A rollercoaster ride of twisty, technical trails that just feel like they are happy to have you

there. It’s totally inviting from the first pedal stroke” Singletrack “Tight, rock lined and demanding …A banging trail that never let up” mbr “Nicely designed with some great rock gardens, berms and switchbacks …but it’s the scenery

that is the real winner, forcing you to stop to simply take it all in on more than one occasion” Outsider

What the Pro Riders say… “Backdrop is nothing short of what you’d expect in the Alps” Glyn O’Brien (Former Irish DH

Champion) “Fun, singletracky and tight” Blake Samson (Pro Slopestyle Rider)

2.3 Davagh Forest Trails

Situated in the Sperrin Mountains, previously little known Davagh Forest, has been transformed into one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting mountain bike venues with an unrivalled reputation for fast flowing trails and iconic rock features..

Selected as the cover feature for MBUK’s Top 50 Trail Centres in the UK (2015), the Davagh Forest Trails are now recognised as amongst best in the UK and Ireland and this popularity is reflected through Davagh Forest’s visitor numbers; the trails were ridden approximately 16,000 time in 2017. The Davagh Forest Trails have also successfully hosted a number of entry level Enduro events.

What the media say… “This is possibly the best bit of purpose-built trail we’ve ridden. Anywhere. It is rare that I am

lost for words to describe a trail, but Wolf’s Hill is pure perfection” Singletrack “Davagh offers incredible trails” MBUK “There are fast, tacky berms and well-placed kickers, as well as technical sections with

intimidating stone slabs” mbr “The joy of this trail is that it is simply fast flowing singletrack through stunning wilderness”

Outsider

What the Pro Riders say… “Beautiful part of the world and great times to be had” Blake Samson (Pro Slopestyle Rider)

3. MountainBikeNI.com Consortium

The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium (established in April 2012) is led by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (a not-for-profit organisation based in Belfast) and includes trail managing representatives from each of Northern Ireland’s National and Regional Trail Centres.

Consortium Representatives

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council - Rostrevor & Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails Mid Ulster District Council – Davagh Forest Trails & Blessingbourne Trails Belfast City Council – Barnett Demesne Trails

This consortium aims to increase local participation in mountain biking and drive activity tourism by showcasing Northern Ireland as a ‘must-visit’ mountain bike destination. Through the establishment of a strong umbrella consumer brand, MountainBikeNI.com, the consortium provides an excellent opportunity for nationwide sponsorship rather than being restricted to individual trail centres.

3.1 Industry Leading Marketing Activity

Below are some highlights of work delivered by the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium’s dedicated Marketing Officer between April 2017 – March 2018:

24,600 Social Media Followers The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has established targeted social media platforms including an engaging Facebook Page supported by a Twitter profile and Instagram account.

Official Trail Centre Videos Watched over 270,000 TimesThe MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has delivered a number of official trail centre videos which have been shared via Facebook, MountainBikeNI.com’s Official YouTube Channel and relevant specialist social media outlets.

Over 14,000 E-Newsletter Subscribers The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has cultivated a significant segmented e-marketing database of over 14,000 mountain bikers of which c.50% currently reside within Northern Ireland.

48,000 website visits MountainBikeNI.com is now established as the one-stop-shop for information on Northern Ireland’s Mountain Bike Trail Centres – attracting 48,000 website visits since April 2017.

Nationwide Mountain Bike Volunteer SchemeThe MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team (Volunteer Ranger Scheme) has over 130 registered volunteers and has delivered over 700-man hours of trail maintenance across Northern Ireland’s trail centres.

4. MountainBikeNI.com Sponsorship Opportunity

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid Ulster District Council is seeking one sponsor to become associated with the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium Brand and each of Northern Ireland’s three National Trail Centres.

This sponsorship will run until 31st March 2019 after which, subject to contractual agreements being met, the sponsor will be offered a one-year extension until 31st March 2020.

During this period additional trail centres may be developed and added to the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium however it will remain the decision of the trail manager as to whether they become a partner in the sponsorship agreement.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will act as the key liaison between the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium and the sponsor.

4.1 Sponsorship Revenue

Revenue from the agreed sponsorship will be used by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland to invest in a dedicated Mountain Biking Marketing Officer to continue the marketing activity outlined above.

All members of the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium will also be contributing towards this marketing role to promote Northern Ireland’s mountain bike trail centres and in turn the brand of the future sponsor.

4.2 Benefits to Sponsor

Brand Association

The sponsor’s brand will be synonymous with the MountainBikeNI.com brand e.g. MountainBikeNI.com in association with ‘Sponsor’

Naming Rights

Northern Ireland’s three National Trail Centres will be named and officially referred to across all marketing communications as ‘in association with’ the successful sponsor

The successful sponsor will have the opportunity to name two predetermined trail sections from each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres including both downhill trails in Rostrevor

On Site

Sponsor’s brand will be incorporated within trailhead information panels and throughout each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres*

Sponsor’s brand will be incorporated into MountainBikeNI.com trail cards*

Sponsor will have the opportunity to propose a ‘trailhead gateway’ to be erected at each National Trail Centre*

Sponsor will have opportunities to carry out promotional activity e.g. photo shoots at each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres on pre-arranged dates

Marketing Collateral

Sponsor’s logo will be incorporated within offline/online MountainBikeNI.com marketing collateral including;

o MountainBikeNI.com Visible on every page including homepage, 48,000 visits since April 2017

o Specialist Media Advertising On and offline advertising in specialist media e.g. Dirt, Joe.ie etc.

o E-zines & Social Media Visible in bespoke e-newsletters sent out to over 14,000 e-zine subscribers every month and daily social media activity to 24,600 followers

o Official Trail Centre Videos MountainBikeNI videos have been viewed over 270,000 times since April 2017

* Indicates where sponsor will be required to purchase, design and install branded collateral e.g. branded information panels, branded waymarker disks and trailhead gateways etc.

5. Sponsorship Proposal Submissions

All sponsorship proposals must be completed on the supplied application form and be submitted before 4 p.m. on Wednesday 13 th June 2018 to: The Office ManagerOutdoor Recreation NIThe StableyardBarnett DemesneBELFAST, BT9 5PB

Sealed tenders should have ‘MountainBikeNI.com Sponsorship Proposal’ clearly written on the top left corner and should not bear any name or other distinguishing matter or mark revealing the identity of the sender.

Please note:

1. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland does not accept submissions by either e-mail or fax

2. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will not accept any submission that comes in after the submission time and date.

3. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will not be responsible for any costs and expenses incurred in preparing the submission.

4. Failure to submit any of the required information as detailed in this document will automatically result in the submission being rejected.

5.1 Sponsorship Proposal Queries

All queries regarding the sponsorship recruitment process should be made via email to chris@outdoorrecreationni.com. Any points that require clarification must be received a minimum of two working days before the submission deadline date i.e. by 4pm on Monday 11th June 2018.

5.2 Sponsorship Proposal Evaluation

The applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

Revenue – 70%

This is the amount of money the sponsor is willing to pay to become associated with the MountainBikeNI.com brand. This revenue will cover the period from April 2018 until March 2019. Payments may be made in instalments.

Added Value and Marketing Support Required – 30%

Whilst revenue is of key importance to allow Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland carry out marketing activity for the MountainBikeNI.com consortium it is also anticipated the sponsor will be able to add significant value to the brand and lend marketing support through their already established channels.

This section will be assessed under three key headings:

Onsite Branding: 10%

Support that can be provided to employed Trail Rangers e.g. supply of clothing, equipment etc.

Proposals for ‘Trail Gateway’ Signs

Volunteer Ranger Scheme: 10%

Indicate how your sponsorship will support the Volunteer Ranger Scheme e.g. supply of clothing, reward scheme etc.

Marketing Support: 10%

Indicate the marketing support that can be provided e.g. website, e-marketing, social media, PR, cooperative campaigns, photoshoots, in-store presence etc.

Once the sponsor is appointed both the revenue and added value proposals will be drawn into a contract outlining Outdoor Recreation NI’s responsibilities to the sponsor and the sponsor's responsibilities to Outdoor Recreation NI and the MountainBikeNI.com brand.

Please note, Outdoor Recreation NI has the right to refuse applications from those organisations which are in conflict to their ethos.

6. Submission

Submissions must be typed or word processed in black ink within tables provided

Contact Details

Organisation Name

Organisation Address

Telephone Number

Mobile Number

Email

Name of main contact

Role in Organisation

Company Overview

In no more than 200 words please provide an overview of your company

Revenue Submission – 70%

Amount of sponsorship revenue proposed for period until 31st March 2019 in pounds sterling:

Added Value – 30%

Please clearly detail below the added value and marketing support that your organisation will bring to the MountainBikeNI.com consortium:

Please continue on additional sheets if necessary

Onsite Branding: 10%

Support that can be provided to employed Trail Rangers e.g. supply of clothing, equipment etc.

Proposals for ‘Trail Gateway’ Signs

____________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Ranger Scheme: 10%

Indicate how your sponsorship will support the Volunteer Ranger Scheme e.g. supply of clothing, reward scheme etc

_________________________________________________________________________

Please continue on additional sheets if necessary

Please sign below to confirm the details submitted within this document are accurate.

Signature ____________________________ Date _________________________

Name of Signatory (BLOCK CAPITALS) ________________________________________

Marketing Support: 10%

Indicate the marketing support that can be provided e.g. website, e-marketing, social media, PR, cooperative campaigns, photoshoots, in-store presence etc.

_________________________________________________________________________