Financial health is important to a sports club's future sustainability, says Kevin Atkinson of IMS Payroll, which is supporting the UnisonFibre Hawke's Bay Sports Awards.
The Hastings-based company will sponsor the IMS Payroll Club Operations of the Year Award at the awards on May 18.
Mr Atkinson said it wasmuch more challenging for clubs to remain viable and excellence in administration needed to be recognised. "Clubs are the heart of sport in the region. They exist for the benefit of members and it's really important that their books are in order to make sure they continue to thrive." IMS Payroll sponsors Hawks basketball, Hawke's Bay Rugby Union, Hawke's Bay United Football and the Hastings East Ross Shield. "We're backing sport in the Bay both at the elite level with the three major sport teams and at the grassroots level with the Ross Shield team."
Mr Atkinson said the finalists of the IMS Payroll Club Operations of the Year category - Hawke's Bay Mountain Bike Club, Hawke's Bay Multisports Club, Napier City Rovers AFC, and Ramblers Cycling Club were great examples of sport entities leading by example.
"All four are worthy finalists and clubs looking to operate better only need to look at these examples of clubs that have strong membership numbers, have good funding streams and host regular events that attract supporters. They also make their sport accessible to those at the elite, social and junior level and that ensures their long-term viability."
Sport Hawke's Bay chief executive Colin Stone said it was appropriate the company supported the Club Operations Award. "IMS Payroll and Kevin Atkinson are at the forefront of supporting sport in Hawke's Bay and this category is a perfect fit, due to Kevin's strong business nous."
