News

Two of Manchester’s top marcomms agencies have joined forces to promote and sponsor a leading North West-based charity – and give its annual cycling sportive the ultimate brazen treatment.

Brazen PR and Ultimate Creative will each sponsor a feed-station on the spectacular ‘Seashell Sportive’ route – an event organised by the Seashell Trust in and around the Peak District, now one of the region’s most high-profile British Cycling fixtures.

Staff from both agencies will be re-fuelling and entertaining riders while they complete a variety of routes, from a casual 50km to an epic 170km ride. Brazen’s feed-station, at the top of the Goyt valley, will also proudly display original paintings and cycling-inspired artwork currently being created by children cared for at the Seashell Trust. Ultimate’s leg-busting station will be at Flash, the highest village in England.

In an additional Brazen touch – Tom Webb, Operations Director and Seashell Sportive supporter, is throwing down the gauntlet to all cycling-mad marketing, comms and creative professionals in the North West. If anyone can beat his 170km finish time on the day, Brazen will donate a further £1,000 to the charity.

Brazen CEO, Nina Webb, said: “Cycling is definitely the new golf, and its growing popularity, especially in the marketing industry, is phenomenal. The Seashell Trust is a brilliant charity and we want to help raise the profile of the charity, the event itself, and much-needed funds.

“Tom’s challenge to our agency counterparts is a good one! If you’ve got the legs to beat him on the day, we’ll give a further donation to this fabulous cause.”

Aiming to attract over 500 riders this year, the Seashell Sportive is the second major event to be launched by the Seashell Trust – following the sell-out ‘Strictly Seashell’ ball, which saw some of the region’s most high-profile business leaders, marketing and media professionals compete in the dance competition, including Aisha Kamani (Pretty Little Thing), Jodie Moulding (The Hut Group), Joe Morris (Home Bargains), Lisa Morton (Roland Dransfield PR) and Diane Bourne (I Love Manchester), raising £130,000 on the night.

Matt Townsend, CEO of Ultimate Creative Communications added: “If by sponsoring Seashell’s annual sportive Ultimate can help raise money to improve the lives of the extreely vulnerable young people they work with, then I’m delighted we’re able to play a small part in the event.”

Dominic Tinner, Head of Fundraising at Seashell Trust, based in Cheadle, added: “With the support of our sponsors like Brazen and Ultimate, the Seashell Trust Sportive has gone from humble beginnings to a much-anticipated event on the North West cycling calendar.”

The Seashell Sportive takes place on Sunday 15 September 2019. In 2018 the event attracted 320 entrants and raised £18K for the charity’s work with profoundly and multiply disabled children and young people who additionally have little or no ability to communicate verbally.

For entry, please go to www.seashelltrustsportive.org.uk.  And email ChallengeTom@wearebrazenpr.com to register your interest and take him on; or join the Seashell Sportive club on Strava.