ECA Member and Barrow Raiders encourage next generation

Barrow Raiders rugby club have announced an exciting new partnership with ECA Member BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms driving the clean energy transition.

The organisation employs more than 1,000 employees and specialises in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering, with clients including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies such as AstraZeneca, British Steel and National Grid.

BGEN is also proud to work with BAE Systems, one of Barrow-in-Furness' single largest employers.

One of the key aims of the new partnership with the Raiders will be to encourage more women in the area to try something different - such as rugby league and engineering. As part of this, BGEN will become the main commercial sponsor of the club's Raiders Girls side - an initiative that encourages young women aged 5-16 to get into the sport.

BGEN supports locally when delivering projects for its clients and will continue to do so against initiatives set out in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - this sponsorship being the latest example.

BGEN head of future markets Oliver Groarke said: “BGEN has been operating in the area for more than 25 years, and the partnership with Barrow Raiders is part of our ongoing commitment to support the local community.

“We hope our sponsorship will encourage more girls and young ladies to try something different - such as rugby league or a career in engineering.

"On a personal level, I’m delighted to see some of the women’s team having careers as skilled tradespeople such as welders and electricians, and we’re looking forward to supporting the next generation of skilled female rugby league players and engineers.” 

Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: "As part of the club's commitment to increase female opportunities and participation levels across the local area, this new partnership makes total sense for both parties.

"Gaining the support of a high-profile, reputable and esteemed organisation like BGEN is fantastic for the club and area as a whole, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Raiders family."

Commercial manager Adele Neale said: “Having worked with BGEN since December 2022, we have built a good working relationship with them and know exactly how community-driven they are.

“As a club, we work very hard to make our sponsors feel incredibly special and encourage them to buy into our wider ethos, which is to improve the lives of the people closest to us.”

In Barrow, BGEN is also recruiting for a number of electrical roles with immediate starts for those interested.  For further information please contact Waynes Herbert on +44 (0) 1229836751 or visit: Vacancies - BGEN (b-gen.co.uk)