Tuesday 12th October 2010 - Published by Robert Trigg - Communications Executive
Business school is on the ball in South Africa
A LANCASHIRE business school that donates a share of its profits to charity is hoping to open an institute in South Africa, following a fact-finding visit to this year's World Cup hosts.
In the last 12 months, Showing Off Academy gave away ten per cent of its profits to Ambassadors in Sport (AIS), a Bolton-based charity that helps children get back into education.
Showing Off Ltd, the firm behind the academy of the same name, supports the charity's work in South Africa and is visiting the country between 29th October and 8th November, to research the possibility of opening one of its business schools in the 'rainbow nation'.
Managing Directors, Joanne and Gavin Allday, have a special affinity with South Africa.
Joanne said: “Gavin and I fell in love with South Africa on our honeymoon 10 years ago. In particular, we fell in love with the people, who are incredibly generous and seem to smile all the time. As many visitors to Africa experience when they return home, we wanted to make a difference and, using our business knowledge we felt we could help build sustainable, profitable businesses that could share their wealth and education with some of the poorer members of society. We’re incredibly excited that the life goal we set 10 years ago is so close we can almost touch it.”
Whilst in South Africa, the Showing Off Academy will deliver business training to AIS staff and meet with Higher Education providers to investigate the possibilities of working together.
Tim Tucker, AIS Africa Team Leader said: “Ambassadors in Sport are committed to the holistic development of soccer players and coaches in South Africa. We are extremely excited to be hosting Joanne and Gavin Allday of Showing Off Academy, as they can provide invaluable expertise that will add tremendous value to our ongoing programmes in South Africa. We are looking forward to introducing them to many contacts of AIS, which we are certain will lead to long-term effective partnerships of mutual benefit to organisations in the UK and South Africa.”
During the visit, which is part-funded by the Export Market Research Scheme, the academy will interview local business owners to get a better understanding of their training needs - and bring business tips back to British business owners.
The Showing Off Academy will also be meeting with the British Embassy, amongst other organisations. AIS patrons, including the former Manchester United and England footballer Lee Sharp, will additionally take part.
Joanne Allday, MD, Showing Off Ltd
