COUTTS CLINCHES AWARD FOR ALMEIDA SPONSORSHIP

Coutts & Co, the UK’s leading private bank, has been awarded an Arts and Business New Partner’s Investment to help it further develop its sponsorship of the Almeida Theatre.

The Arts and Business committee has awarded an investment of £35,000 to enable the Islington-based theatre to produce a series of bespoke initiatives on behalf of its principal sponsor, Coutts. The initiatives include an innovative employee team building and training programme, and a discounted ticket scheme for Coutts employees.

Gordon Pell, Coutts Group chief executive, said: “We are only a few months into our sponsorship of the Almeida, but already we are reaping the benefits of our support which provides our clients with access to first-class productions in an intimate environment. We are therefore delighted that the Arts and Business grant will enable us to develop further our relationship with the Almeida to the benefit of our employees.”

Commenting on behalf of the Almeida, artistic director Michael Attenborough added: “Coutts is proving to be a most enlightened and supportive sponsor, in every sense, and we are really looking forward to being able to provide what we intend to be a unique and highly rewarding service.”

The New Partner’s Investment will support two series of eight day-long workshops for Coutts employees. The Almeida will use the techniques and skills of the theatre to provide a forum for team bonding and to engender team spirit. There will be an additional programme to focus on innovative ways of achieving client satisfaction.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business, said: “The Arts & Business New Partners programme is now entering its fourth year - and I am delighted by the range of partnerships across the country. Since April 2000, we have made over 800 investments with a value of £7.3m, unlocking an additional £17.8m in cash and in-kind sponsorship from the private sector. We are delighted to support Coutts and the Almeida in this exceptional arts and business partnership, and wish them every success.”

Coutts and the Almeida
Coutts began its principal sponsorship of the Almeida in May 2003. Timed to coincide with the re-launch of the theatre, Coutts’ funding provided crucial support for the Almeida’s inaugural year in its newly refurbished home. Productions include Lady from the Sea (June), ID (September), and the Mercy Seat (November/December).

Coutts and the Arts
Coutts has a long history of supporting the arts and has looked after the financial affairs of many famous clients connected with the arts. Famous clients have included Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens, Chopin and Berlioz. In addition to the Almeida theatre, Coutts currently sponsors the Royal Opera House, the Welsh National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Coutts’ current financial commitment to the arts is £1.5m - a figure which spans all its arts sponsorships.

For further information, please contact:
Anita Saunders, Public Relations Manager, Coutts Group on 0207 957 2427 or mobile 07970 001149, or e-mail anita.saunders@coutts.com.

Issued on behalf of the Coutts Group by Coutts & Co, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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