Meet Iain Speedie, representing Aspray (Chester) and looking to make an impact in the local community by becoming the title sponsor of the Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey club. Iain becomes another Aspray franchise owner involved in an exciting community partnership, a move that represents the freedom and control of running your own business.
When Chester homeowners and business owners encounter damage to their property and need to make an insurance claim, Iain can lend a helping hand. The service presented by Aspray includes assessing the damage and handling all communications with the insurance company, before using vetted contractors in the local area to reinstate the property to its pre-loss condition.
Unfortunately, not many people know they have the right to their own representation when making a claim. However, Aspray (Chester)’s impact at a much-loved local Ice Hockey club is definitely turning heads for all the right reasons.
The Deeside Dragons compete in the National Ice Hockey League, North Division and have had a tricky start to their 22/23 campaign. Their home arena, the Deeside Leisure Centre (the Den) was used as a nightingale hospital and vaccination centre during the pandemic. With two years out of the league, the club had a few early challenges to overcome. More notably, the season began with the Dragons only being able to play away games – with the Deeside Leisure Centre delayed on re-installing its ice.
With thanks to investments by Aspray (Chester), other sponsors, volunteers and dedicated management staff, the club looks to have now found a run of form as hockey returned to Deeside in December 2022. Signings such as netminders Pearson and Rogers, defencemen Wainwright and Kennedy, and fan-favourite forwards such as captain James Parsons and Canadian born Andy McKinney all form a strong squad that are improving week on week.
“The form this season for the Deeside Dragons is a result of their tremendous spirit and commitment, which cannot be underestimated. They’ve had no ice to train on at the beginning of the season, but since early December when the ice was installed, they’ve been improving every week.
“In no uncertain terms, it’s a tough ask for them to make up the ground for lost training, but I couldn’t be happier at their passion and commitment – not only from the players, but the staff and the whole management team at Deeside. I am proud to have Aspray (Chester) on their back.”
Iain Speedie on his sponsorship with the Deeside Dragons
Iain’s sponsorship with the Dragons represents the full ownership that Aspray franchisees have over the territory they own. With thanks to sponsorships such as these, Aspray’s services have become increasingly well-known across the country. Each franchisee of Aspray understands the importance of brand awareness and have a team of design and marketing professionals available to assist in maximising any sponsorship and really making it come to life.
Iain attends most home games and is well known amongst the staff and players at the Deeside Dragons. Now an avid fan of ice hockey, Iain couldn’t be prouder to be the owner of a business that genuinely helps people in stressful situations while being involved in a club he is passionate about.
Nathan and Sam Merritt are into their third year at Aspray (Sutton Coldfield) and are expanding further. We caught up with them to discuss their franchise and plans for the future.
George Masterton of Aspray Peterborough has been an example of a franchisee who has been able to hit the ground running straight away with a ready-made presence in his territory.
Colin also plays a very important role within the Aspray network, offering mentoring and speaking to interested candidates on his experiences as an Aspray franchisee.
George Cusack became a project management franchisee with Aspray in November 2018. After a long and successful career in the motor trade working in various management roles, George wanted to work for himself.
Perry Dawson is Aspray’s recently established franchise owner of the Colchester territory.
Jack Connor was an approved contractor for Aspray and he is now a successful Aspray franchisee himself.
Director of Aspray Luton, Barry Thurston, hosted a very successful launch event for the opening of his new local business.
Clive and Nathalie Hawkesley joined the Aspray network in September 2013.
Since the start, I have taken part in the peer-to-peer support offered through head office. I feel it’s important to be engaged and involved with this type of support. I don’t want to see people in the network struggle and at the same time, it allows me the opportunity to learn and grow from others that do the same job in different ways.Jack Parkhouse
It’s seeing people satisfied, happy and resolved and knowing that over the ten years you’ve helped people get back to their life. You see the homeowner, or policyholder satisfied and smiling, or you that the claims has caused them the minimum inconvenience, that’s what you have achieved for them.Roy Bowen
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