In 2022, Futures created a new employee initiative to recognise those that have gone above and beyond in their role: the Futures Quarterly Award. Award winners are nominated by their peers for reasons ranging from strong client delivery and management to supporting their colleagues and contributing to team culture. The prize is two tickets to a sporting event of their choice including accommodation and travel where the budget allows, depending on how ambitious they have been with the event they choose!
Emma Gibson was the inaugural winner and at the time of her win, she had been at Futures for five years and won the award as a Manager, having joined the business as a Graduate Analyst. She was excelling across several client accounts as well as making her first forays into show business by presenting on stage at SportsPro Madrid and the Broadcast Sport Summit as well as in public webinars alongside Women’s Sport Trust.
It was fitting that as the head of our relationships with both the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Women’s Sport Trust, Emma chose to use her award to attend the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup! Emma travelled to South Africa in February 2023 to watch the final between South Africa and Australia.
As a lifelong cricket enthusiast, Emma really enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere at the record-breaking event:
“Not only was it the first time a South African cricket team (men’s or women’s) have made an ICC World Cup Final, but it drew a record attendance for women’s cricket in South Africa. And both of these records meant an electric crowd throughout the game, with every dot ball for South Africa celebrated like a wicket!”
Even if the result didn’t quite go the host nation’s way, Emma noted that it felt like a breakthrough moment for women’s cricket in South Africa – we’re thrilled she could be there as part of her award!
In addition to attending the cricket, Emma was able to explore the variety of cultural activities that South Africa offers. She started her trip on a safari and managed to see elephants, rhinos, leopards, and lions! Other highlights included hiking Lion’s Head in Cape Town and visiting Stellenbosch for wine tasting. As the first recipient of the Futures Quarterly Award, Emma perfectly showcased what is possible with the reward and has also set a precedent with another award winner also choosing to travel to South Africa in November 2024!
