Three Counties, based at Three Counties Showground in Malvern, produces an annual programme of top quality horticultural and agricultural events including RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Royal Three Counties Show and Malvern Autumn Show.
Over the past few years, partnership opportunities at Three Counties have developed in line with the increasing commercial success and popularity of these events. Claire Blackford joins the commercial team on 19 October to ensure the continued development and growth of sponsorships and partnerships.
Ken Nottage, CE of Three Counties, said “Claire brings a wealth of customer focussed experience and creativity to the role and we are delighted she has taken on the challenge of expanding our sponsorship opportunities. We wish her all the best in the new role.”
Claire’s early years were heavily immersed in the world of dance and she followed her passion completing her degree in the subject at the University of Surrey. Following a period in a marketing agency working on accounts in the horticultural, travel and leisure sectors, Claire then moved to Gullivers Sports Travel where she remained for an impressive 23 years.
At Gullivers, Claire project managed a broad range of overseas long-haul supporters’ tours worth between £1.5 and £5 million following Rugby World Cups, British and Irish Lions Tours, England cricket tours and ICC Cricket World Cups. This saw her travel to destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and the Caribbean.
Claire brings to the role strong customer relationship management experience, creativity, operational skills and a good commercial acumen.
Speaking of her appointment, Claire said “I am thrilled to be joining the growing team at Three Counties and look forward to servicing and nurturing our existing and highly valued sponsors and partners. Alongside this, I will be looking to grow and develop the breadth of appeal of our sponsorship programme with some new and creative partnerships to ensure Three Counties’ continued success and respected position within the market.”
For more information on sponsorship opportunities at Three Counties contact Claire on 01684 584 909 or email claire.blackford@threecounties.co.uk.
Group Image Commercial Team (L-R)
Steve Allsop – Trade Stand Executive, Jane Edwards – Trade Stand Coordinator, Suzy Hillier – Head of Commercial, Claire Amott – Venue Hire Executive, Claire Blackford – Sponsorship Account Manager and Stephanie Belcher – Marketing Executive.