Nationwide Leads the Charge: England's 2006 World Cup Bid Gains Momentum

The nationwide bid to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup has received a significant boost as the Nationwide Building Society signed on as the first official supporter, committing £1 million in backing. This move marks a crucial step in the bid team's efforts to secure business support, with up to ten companies expected to join the initiative. Led by British Airways chairman Sir Colin Marshall, the campaign aims to leverage British expertise and enthusiasm to promote the bid both domestically and internationally.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nationwide Building Society has become the first official supporter of England's 2006 World Cup bid, committing £1 million in backing.
• Up to ten companies are expected to join the bid team, providing expert advice and support.
• British Airways chairman Sir Colin Marshall is leading the initiative to secure business support, with more backers to be unveiled later this month.
• World Cup bid chief Mr Alec McGivan hopes to secure company support worth around £1 million.
• England faces competition from Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Argentina in the bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
• The bid is being seen as a truly national campaign, uniting the country from the Prime Minister to ordinary football fans.

Statistics:

• £1 million: The amount committed by Nationwide Building Society to support the England 2006 World Cup bid.
• £1 million: The estimated value of company support hoped to be secured by World Cup bid chief Mr Alec McGivan.
• 2006: The year the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place.

Sources:

• "pounds 1million of backing for England's bid to land the 2006 World Cup started in earnest yesterday as the Nationwide Building Society became the first company to sign up." (Original text, no date given)
• World of Business/Page 29 (Original publication, full reference not provided)