A PR consultant has proved he is the ‘man’ for the job – promoting women’s sport.
Stephen Naylor, founder and director of Brighouse-based Waverley Consultancy has been shortlisted for Man of the Year in the International Women’s Day Awards 2015.
Stephen was put forward for his work in promoting the Yorkshire Jets, the county’s new Superleague netball team and the sport in general.
The Jets are one of eight teams performing at the top level of the sport and Stephen was appointed to handle their PR and marketing six months ago.
“Raising the profile of netball in Yorkshire, and our Superleague team, Yorkshire Jets, is a team effort but I am delighted to have been nominated for this award,” said Stephen.
“The work developing the communications and marketing for Jets is all about ensuring the sport has the profile it deserves in Yorkshire.
“Sell-out crowds of hundreds pack into every game, the players and coaches put in time and effort on and off court and the management, who are all volunteers, put in a huge amount of energy every day.
“It is great to be a part of that team at a time when women’s sport is getting more attention than ever before.”
Jane Moulson, franchise manager of Yorkshire Jets, said: “In the short space of six months, Stephen’s work has had a huge impact on the profile of Yorkshire Jets, and netball generally.
“His use of social media, regular press releases and the development of key sporting partnerships has helped Yorkshire Jets reach a much wider audience, and has ensured that our matches are now sell-outs.
“We have been able to welcome many new supporters and introduce them to our amazing sport.
“Our players also now enjoy local celebrity status, regularly appearing on television and radio, in local newspapers and as guests at a variety of sporting events, particularly those promoting youth involvement in sport.
“Netball in Yorkshire continues to grow and grow and there is no doubt that Stephen has made a huge contribution to this success with his positive, supportive and imaginative input.”
The Jets play home games in Huddersfield, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. The next Huddersfield fixture will be against Hertfordshire Mavericks at Huddersfield University on Monday, March 2 (7.45pm).
The game will be screened live on Sky Sports.
The winners of the International Women’s Day Awards will be announced at a black tie event in Chester next month.
