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Alexander Ash Consulting: Proud Sponsors of Durham University Rugby

Success in sport and business is built on shared values: commitment, teamwork, and a vision for excellence. At Alexander Ash Consulting, we are proud to sponsor and support Durham University’s rugby programmes, championing their legacy of nurturing talent and driving success. This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering individuals and organisations to perform at their best, whether on the pitch or in the workplace.

Supporting Durham Rugby: A Legacy of Excellence

Durham University Rugby has set the standard for sporting success in higher education. The men’s team has consistently excelled in the BUCS Super Rugby league, the premier level of university rugby in the UK. Their formula for success—strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a focus on player development—has made them a force to be reckoned with.

Equally impressive is the rise of Durham’s women’s rugby programme. Known for its strong connection between elite academics and sport, it has produced players who have represented top Women’s Premiership teams and international sides, including England, Scotland, and France, but more importantly with a clear strategic aim to have 200 women playing the game by the end of this current season. Speaking about the programme, Steven Colwell, Durham University Rugby Club President said:

"The Women's programme at Durham has a long-established relationship between elite academics and Elite Sport. In recent times, Durham alumni have established themselves in the Women's Premiership and international teams across the world. We are dedicated to continuing and bettering this fantastic programme with new incentives into College sport and the recently formed North East Women's XV—a partnership of the region's top-level clubs, of which Durham is a key member."

Durham’s recent initiatives, including the formation of the North East Women’s XV, underline their commitment to growth and inclusion. In their debut match at Kingston Park, Newcastle, six Durham players took the field in front of a crowd of over 3,000—a milestone for women’s rugby in the region.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Our sponsorship of Durham Rugby is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a partnership rooted in shared principles. Like Durham, we believe in developing talent, fostering diversity, and creating opportunities for excellence.

“At Alexander Ash Consulting, we see sport as a powerful metaphor for business,” explains Ian Alexander, Managing Director of Alexander Ash Consulting, “Both require teamwork, leadership, and a relentless focus on growth. By supporting Durham’s rugby programmes, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders—on and off the pitch.”

Empowering Talent Globally

Just as Durham nurtures its players to succeed in both sport and academics, Alexander Ash Consulting empowers organisations to thrive by connecting them with exceptional talent. From our offices in London, the UAE, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we deliver solutions across consulting, managed services, recruitment, and executive search to global markets.

Our consulting practice advises businesses on workforce strategy, organisational transformation, and change management, while our managed services provide bespoke talent solutions that optimise processes and reduce costs. In recruitment, we excel in sourcing top talent across financial services, professional services, and commerce and industry. Our executive search practice ensures businesses secure the senior leaders they need to navigate today’s complex challenges.

Driving Inclusion and Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of both our business and our sponsorship of Durham Rugby. Whether it’s through our own Equality, Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion (ESDI) initiatives or by supporting Durham’s efforts to grow women’s rugby, we’re committed to creating environments where everyone can succeed.

“We don’t just want to contribute to the success of Durham Rugby,” says Ian Alexander, “We want to amplify their values of inclusion and excellence and extend those principles into the global businesses we work with.”

Building Success Together

Through our sponsorship of Durham University Rugby, we’re proud to be part of a story that celebrates excellence, inclusion, and growth. Whether supporting the men’s team in BUCS Super Rugby or the women’s programme as it continues to grow and inspire, we’re investing in a brighter future for both sport and business.

At Alexander Ash Consulting, we believe success is a team effort. By partnering with organisations and initiatives like Durham Rugby, we’re not only shaping careers but also driving change and creating opportunities across global markets.

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