The Eagles scored a Cup Final record total beating UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders 115 to 94, dominating throughout the game.

The victory was a resounding justification of Esh Group’s second year lead sponsorship of The Eagles.

Brian Manning, Chief Executive of Esh Group travelled to Birmingham in support.  He said:

“This is a tremendous result! We are so proud of The Eagles – the whole organisation works very hard and so well as a team, they have a great culture and here’s the proof that it works.

“Esh Group has been involved with The Eagles for a number of years and last year we stepped in to support them as lead sponsor when things weren’t so rosy, even though times are tough in the construction sector.

“We felt they were worth going the extra mile for – they are committed to excellence and they are passionate about supporting the community and giving back to the people who help them.  So from our point of view at Esh Group the fit of cultures is exact.”

The Eagles owners Paul Blake and his wife, Sam, have grown the team and its organisation over the last 17 years from a standing start.  Commenting on the win and Esh Group’s support, Paul said:

“This is a great reward for our sponsors – all of which are crucial to our success.  We are particularly grateful to everyone at Esh Group for their belief, commitment and continued support – which is consistent throughout the whole organisation.

“We enjoy a very productive mutually beneficial relationship; a true partnership and I’m delighted on behalf of everyone at The Eagles that we have been able to say ‘thank you’ by bringing home ‘The Silver’.”

Eagles veteran, Charles ‘the Prince’ Smith, was also in the mood for setting records as he delivered an exemplar record-breaking performance and amassed 39 points of the Eagles total.

The Shaw Trust supports disabled and disadvantaged people to change their lives through work and greater independence and works throughout the North East.

The Shaw Trust’s horticultural training centre The Seaham Project  supports clients with learning disabilities, local schools and unemployed people in the community.

Esh Group supports The Seaham Project by providing members with opportunities in the wider community, including work experience and shadowing opportunities through Esh Training Solutions.

Since the summer Esh Group staff have worked with over 40 learners from The Shaw Trust including:

• running finance and enterprise sessions
• providing a work experience opportunity
• supporting understanding of the work place through tours of Esh Group
• generating greater awareness through promotions in conjunction with Newcastle Eagles
• collecting over £1,000 in sales of Shaw Trust made Christmas products

Elaine Duffy, Project Manager at The Shaw Trust explained:

“We’ve gained so much from our collaboration with Esh Group this year.  In particular, our learners have developed their understanding of the world of work.  The opportunities which Esh Group has created for them have really helped to put their employability training into context.

“Esh Group, by simply opening the doors of its workplace, sharing time and providing opportunities to talk has really made a difference for our clients.  I am personally very grateful to everyone at Esh Group; it’s been marvellous and we look forward to building on our work this year into 2012.”

Keith Whyman, an IT tutor at The Shaw Trust said:

“All trainees and staff who visited Esh Group benefitted from a real insight to the world of work; a lasting impression was made on the 20 learners who visited simply by providing a very warm welcome, a sense of inclusion and an experience they would normally not have had.”

Over £1,000 was raised through sales of The Shaw Trust’s Christmas products at Esh Group’s offices and at a special promotion at a Newcastle Eagles basketball game.  The products sold included handmade festive wreaths and cards.  However – most popular were the money spinning ‘sweetie trees’ – responsible for over 50% of sales.

Commenting on the programme, Brian Manning, Chief Executive of Esh Group, said:
“We’ve been delighted to welcome The Shaw Trust into our business.  The Charity is highly effective and deserves every opportunity to help its learners expand their ability to gain employment.

“During the programme Esh Group staff have given over 120 hours of volunteer support.  It’s been truly worthwhile and very rewarding….. and I’m delighted with my Ferroro Roche sweetie tree!”