Shared values…

Natalie Miller the Co-Captain of England Indoor Netball (England Nets) has a great story that demonstrates determination, resilience and commitment.

With many athletes their dreams get blighted by injury or lack of funding.  They don’t just have to think like a sports person about their training they need to think commercially about what is viable.  If they are lucky they find a sponsor, which immediately takes away the financial anxiety.

However what does the sponsor learn from such a unique relationship, and how do they work with the athlete.

The Furniture Union is sponsoring Natalie Miller on her journey to the World Cup August 2019.  In order for the relationship to work the two must have shared values:-

Natalie’s story easily demonstrates all three.  In 2015 she was selected for the Ladies team for the Indoor World Cup in New Zealand.  The process for this World Cup was difficult one as she had to self-fund her journey.   The team exceeded expectation and finished the tournament as gold medal winners and Natalie is now a World Champion.

Fast forward to 2018, preparation for 2019 World Cup started.   Sadly her world got turned upside down on 7th January 2018. Whilst playing national league netball game for Sussex Thunder she fully ruptured her right achilles tendon. A journey to A&E and a broken heart later, she was  told that her recovery time for this injury would be at least a year.

On March 1st 2018 Natalie had an operation to reconstruct the tendon, rehab started immediately and she was determined to be travelling once again to the World Cup.

The journey has not be an easy one, it has taken countless hours of determination and going the extra mile. On her last tour the challenge not only was the hours of training but the time and energy spent to try and find sponsorship.

The Furniture Union equally demonstrate the three core values that Natalie has needed.  With over 25 years in the design industry, The Furniture Union has a first class reputation for providing their clients with creative and practical solutions across the whole spectrum of residential property.  Their services range from one-off furnishings to complete full interior service, making them a one stop shop for all requirements.

Natalie and The Furniture Union are now both connected as they both work to the same values.

This is the beginning of a joint story and as a coach to one of the Leaders at The Furniture Union I look forward to hearing the challenges and shared learning of the partnership.