Former rugby player launches business development company to support ex-players into new careers

Leeds-based Front Row Support is an outsourced business development company, which harnesses Mr Beech’s experience in professional sport and applies it to companies’ new business strategies.

However, he said his number one goal is to aid the transition of ex-sporting professionals into business, leveraging the skill sets they’ve gained through their game to maximise their opportunities to succeed.

Mr Beech said he has been able to forge a second successful career away from the game, but this isn’t the case for many others.

A survey produced by the Professional Players’ Federation (PPF) said the need for transition support has never been greater, with its research showing that a significant number of players struggle both financially and mentally in the first few years after retiring from professional sport.

It found that only 29 per cent of players were able to choose when they stopped playing professional sport.

Whilst 84 per cent of past players were in employment, self-employed or retired from a second career, most had to accept a drop in salary once they stop playing. Just over half (52 per cent) of respondents reported financial difficulties in the five years immediately after stopping playing.

One in two ex-players of the 800 who responded to the survey said did not feel in control of their lives within two years of finishing their careers.

Mr Beech said: “When ex-professional sports players come to the end of their career losing their identity can be overwhelming, with many experiencing ‘loss’, ‘regret’ and ‘devastation’.

"I have worked with many ex-pros in one capacity or another, and I see that it’s vital to their ongoing success to utilise the skill sets they have achieved in sport and apply them to business.

"They just need a guiding hand to steer them, which is where I come in.

“I’m now not only assisting ex-players but also those who are starting out in their professional sports career, providing them with the tools they will need ahead of taking next steps when it comes to their own retirement.”

Front Row Support works on a membership basis. The Front Row team supports organisations in their growth strategies as well as running networking events with the intention of ultimately building a network of great businesses and individuals and helping them grow successfully.

In September, Mr Beech and his Front Row team will be hosting its first outdoor event, the Late Summer Show on Thursday, September 7 at The Motorist in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

In staying true to a rugby heritage, those attending the event will be able to enjoy a game of live five-a-side rugby, with sport pundit and ex-Leeds Rhinos player, Danika Priim, and ex-England and Huddersfield Giants pro, Eorl Crabtree, also taking part.

“Bringing the world of sport and business together through events that can connect great talent, both on and off field is my passion and the reason I’m doing what I’m doing,” Mr Beech added.