Hi, I’m Edward Hudson, Business Development Manager at Deeley Group.
As a Construction and Property firm, we always want to make a positive impact in the communities we work in by delivering new housing or creating new teaching spaces at the schools, colleges and universities in the region.
The Deeley Group has always had a strong feeling for delivering charitable projects such as the refurbishment at Samaritans call centre in Coventry or kitchen refurbishment at Orbit Homes’ Loxley Court.
So when Coventry Road Club approached us looking for a new host for the event HQ in 2016, we were more than happy to help.
The Coventry Road Club team, spearheaded by (General Secretary) Ian Court laid out their vision for developing the Starley Sportive into what it is today.
There was also a touch of nostalgia about the links to the club as Dave Miller was a former employee of our Castledines painting business. He may have hung up the paintbrush but after seeing the him complete numerous miles on the bike every week he certainly isn’t slowing down!
With myself being a keen Mountain Biker I was happy to help my cycling comrades in supporting this event. Since my introduction to the road club I have found myself taking more time going up Warwickshire Hills rather than down muddy mountain trails! The two complement each other very well and the introduction to road cycling has enhanced my overall mountain biking performance.
We have also had runners from our business take part who had beaming smiles when they crossed the finish line and chuff to compete the event.
We would welcome other businesses to join us including fellow construction and development firms. With my job role of entertaining clients I am starting to think that cycling really is the new golf!
The Starley Sportive wouldn’t be what it is today without the powerhouse of the event, Ian Court, and we’re proud to be the host venue for such an amazing event.
This week we attended the Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire Sports Awards and it was brilliant to see Ian awarded “Volunteer of the year”.
I look forward to seeing you all in February 2020.
Edward
