PLYMOUTH'S 2018 WORLD CUP BID NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

Following the fantastic news that the City of Plymouth was successful in being selected as one of England's proposed venues for the 2018 World Cup Bid, I am writing to you to seek your support.

As you can imagine, if England were successful with their bid submission to FIFA, bringing the World Cup extravaganza to Plymouth would have enormous benefits to the City and the wider Devon & Cornwall region. The FIFA World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world. Each match averages over 260 million viewers and over 800 hours dedicated TV coverage. Plus, each World Cup venue must have 2 Fan Festival sites each with 20,000 minimum capacity.

From an economic perspective, the Chamber of Commerce estimate total spend as a result of staging the World Cup in Plymouth to reach almost £300m by 2026:

Accommodation                        £77m

Shopping                                  £66m

Food & Drink                                        £72m

Attractions & entertainment        £36m

Travel                                                   £41m

                                                £292m

Just imagine the outstanding marketing exposure the City and Region would benefit from and the inward investment that would be generated. Hosting the World Cup would deliver far beyond any expectations for the City's Vision and provide a unique, cataclysmic boost to the region's confidence and long term aspirations.

However, putting the bid together and the requirement to constantly show FIFA just how committed England and its host cities are to bringing the World Cup to these shores in 2018, does not come without significant costs.

That's why I am writing to you for your support. I want supportive companies like yours to show their support and help bring the World Cup to Plymouth. What we need is a donation of £1,000 towards marketing costs. In return you'll get:

ü      The chance to use the Official World Cup Bid logo when we reach £250,000 in donations.

ü      Recognition as a Plymouth 2018 World Cup Bid "Founding Supporter".

ü      A pair of hospitality tickets for a match at Plymouth Argyle.

ü      Entry into an exclusive draw to win a pair of "money can't buy", VIP tickets for an event at the O2 Arena courtesy of AEG.

ü      Recognition of your support on a number of  "Rolls of Honour" -

o       Via City Council on their website and features in the "Plymouth People" publication.

o       Via Home Park Stadium, Plymouth Argyle - in the match programme and on A3 frames in the Boardroom and business lounges.

o       Via the Chamber of Commerce on their website.

o       Via the local press on a quarterly basis.

So whilst we're asking for donations, you are getting a valuable range of benefits for your £1,000 (plus VAT) contribution.

I'm sure you'll agree that this is a momentous opportunity for the City of Plymouth and the Devon & Cornwall region and one which you are keen to support.

Please send your donations in the form of a cheque for £1,000 (plus VAT) made payable to the Plymouth 2018 World Cup Bid Company Limited to: Ben Rendle, Financial Controller, World Cup Bid Limited, Home Park, Plymouth PL2 3DQ. Alternatively we can arrange for you to be invoiced and payment to be made by electronic transfer.

For more details please contact Steve Davies on the Plymouth 2018 World Cup Bid Team - steve.davies@plymouth.gov.uk