SPORT ENGLAND INVESTMENT INCREASED BY OVER 50%

Sport England has given a big vote of confidence to British Fencing in today’s announcement of investment in fencing for the remainder of the 2013 to 2017 funding cycle.  Overall the award to British Fencing represents an increase of more than 50% on the investment awarded for 2013/14, which was given on a one year basis, and the investment in Talent Development and Corporate Governance is committed for all three years remaining in the current funding cycle.  The steady progress made in creating a firm base on which to build a sustainable programme to increase participation in the sport of fencing is also acknowledged. 

In announcing this increased investment Sport England has recognised the tremendous improvement in Talent Development made in less than a year.  An investment of £250,000, representing an increase of £140,000 over the 2013/14 level, will be made in each of the next three years and will enable the new Talent Pathway to be developed further by the World Class Performance team to increase the flow of talented athletes into the podium potential programme which is funded by UK Sport.

The substantial improvements in corporate governance, ranging from Board re-structuring to enhanced financial controls, which have already resulted in British Fencing being give “Green” status by Sport England and UK Sport auditors, is also recognised in the investment awards with the previous investment of £40,000 being increased to £110,000 and committed for the next three years.  In addition, a supplementary award of £30,000 is made to support the work done in 2013/14.

Investment in British Fencing’s programme to increase participation will remain at the current level of £250,000 for another year while the plans and structures are developed further by a newly appointed Chief Executive and Development Director.

On hearing of the awards Peter King, who has lead the executive team as Chief Executive since October 2012, said; “Overall this is an excellent result for British Fencing and will provide a strong investment base for further progress in the years ahead.  I pay tribute to the Senior Management Team and all the staff who have worked so diligently over the past twelve months to make this outcome possible.  I also thank the Board for their support in enabling the Executive Team to drive forward so strongly in the areas of Talent Development and Corporate Governance while not neglecting the primary function of investing Sport England funding in programmes to increase participation.”

On behalf of the Board, Chair David Teasdale said “We appreciate Sport England’s clear statement of confidence in British Fencing with this increased funding award.  We will focus renewed effort in delivering growth in fencing participation and talent development.”