CBRE UK managing director Ciaran Bird got into property at 16 and has never looked back. Now he’s on a mission to get more young people into the industry and is using sport to help.
“There are countless parallels between business and sport and this is particularly true of rugby,” said Bird. “As a former player, I know first-hand how rugby builds teamwork, discipline, focus and respect – qualities that are vital in the property industry. If we’re to encourage more young people from more diverse backgrounds into the sector, we need to ensure they have the qualities to be successful in the future.”
He added: “But we want to do more, so this year we’ve become a principal partner of England Rugby’s All Schools Programme. This initiative gives 750 schools the opportunity to take up rugby by giving them the tools to be able to coach and play the sport.
“I’ve already seen the programme in action and it is hugely rewarding to see young children being active and developing skills and qualities that will help them in later life.
“Our commitment is to invest in the next generation and, by playing an active role, help them realise their potential,” said Bird. “We hope others in the industry will explore how they too can help young people develop skills that will be beneficial to all in the future.”
England Rugby’s All Schools Programme is supported professional players including Jonny Wilkinson and Emily Scarrat.
