Royal Bank of Scotland is transforming part of its London office into a virtual football stadium to entertain clients during the World Cup. About 3,000 clients will be invited to watch matches at one of its main offices near the City, although the space will hold only about 350-400 people at any one time.
Royal Bank of Scotland is transforming part of its London office into a virtual football stadium to entertain clients during the World Cup. About 3,000 clients will be invited to watch matches at one of its main offices near the City, although the space will hold only about 350-400 people at any one time.
Its office has a 100-ft high atrium in the centre which is more typically used for conferences. In order to create the right atmosphere, flooring will be laid to mimic a pitch complete with markings and erect a canopy above it. The games will be projected on giant screens around the ‘pitch’.
The government-backed bank is experiencing a big cost-cutting drive. Last week it announced it would be cutting 500 jobs in its wealth management division. The bank will not reveal the cost of the World Cup event. However, normally it would fly selected clients to the tournament. The event in its office will be a fraction of the cost of entertaining people in South Africa, but will still provide oppoirtunities to talk to clients in an informal atmosphere.
An event like the World Cup provides big opportunities for businesses. Not everyone is interested in football, but the majority of clients and potential clients usually are. During the last World Cup the European brewers provided a giant screen in a location in the European quarter of Brussels, convenient for Commission officials and near the European Parliament. Officials and MEPs were able to drop in, watch games and sample European beers. It was a very cost effective way of winning friends and influencing people.