Glamorgan Telecom, the largest independent supplier of telecommunications in Wales and South West, is installing new state-of-the-art telephone systems for the Cardiff Blues at a subsidised rate as well as giving an annual cash injection of £5,000, over the three years of the contract.
The new Samsung digital system installed into Cardiff Arms Park consists of the latest digital technology, including voice mail, auto attendant and call management. An uninterruptible power supply has also been installed so that the phones will remain in working order, even if there is a power cut.
Tina Tew, Commercial Manager at Cardiff Blues, said: We are extremely pleased with the new telephone system that Glamorgan Telecom has installed for us. We are constantly striving to improve efficiency within our organisation to benefit ourselves and, more importantly, our customers. Communications systems are arguably the most important part of any business and our partnership with Glamorgan Telecom will ensure that we are more than adequately covered in this area.
In addition to adding Cardiff Blues to their client list, Glamorgan Telecom secured a sporting double as they confirmed a similar sponsorship deal has been agreed with Glamorgan Cricket Club.
Ian Norton, director at Glamorgan Telecom, said: As an indigenous Welsh company that is proud of its roots, we were only too keen to come on board and support the major South Wales sporting sides.
A number of companies have problems with their telephones but are generally unaware of the new technology available in todays market place or are not sure how to make the move to digital or broadband.
Hopefully our new sponsorship package will not only help financially but will also vastly improve the clubs telephone systems and communications with its customers and members.
As part of the sponsorship deal, Glamorgan Telecom will benefit from corporate hospitality, direct marketing and advertising packages with each club. Glamorgan Telecoms director, Ian Norton, said: We estimate that one of the major spin-offs from the sponsorship deal will be the interest generated from business recognising the improvements we have made in each Club and wanting us to assist them as well.
We caught up with Ian and asked him about some of the best memories that rugby had given him and also his thoughts on the current players at the Blues.
What was the first ever rugby game you watched?
My grammar school 1st team, within weeks of arriving and at the tender age of 11 all I wanted to do was play for them myself.
Who is your favourite all time player?
It has to be Serge Blanco brilliant game awareness, fabulous skills, sizzling speed and 40 fags a day!
Who is your favourite current Cardiff Blues player?
Rhys Williams the man has contributed so much and, from looking at his many photos in Cowbridge School hall of fame, he has been doing it for a very long time.
What is the best try you have ever seen?
No doubting at all Gareth Edwards for the Baa Baas. I was sitting just in front of the TV camera.
What is the most memorable match that you have seen?
Thats too difficult to answer as I have watched so many superb matches at all levels. Two that really stick out are firstly, when NZ cheated Wales by taking a dive out of the lineout to get a penalty, and the second is watching St Cyres Comprehensive go through every round of the Rosslyn Park Schools Sevens, which included beating Millfield, to be the first Comprehensive school to ever win the trophy
From the current crop of players in the Blues squad, who do you think is the one to watch for the future?
Definitely Dean Dewdney fast, fit and big enough to make the difference.
Glamorgan Telecom is the largest independent telecom supplier in Wales and the South West. It has more than 10 years of experience working with well over 2000 clients, providing them with a one stop shop in all aspects of telecommunications and data technology. For more information contact 0800 975 3333 or visit www.glamorgantelecom.co.uk