Brownfield engineering specialist PD&MS Group has invested £24,000 in four of Scotland’s rising sport stars.
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The firm, which has bases in Aberdeen, Dundee, Great Yarmouth and Baku in Azerbaijan, says the funding will help the group to realise their sporting ambitions across national and global competitions.
North-east Scotland golfers Michele Thomson and Kris Nicol, and motorbike racers Darren Ross and Angus Mearns have each received a share of the donation as they head towards the busiest period of their sporting calendars for the year.
Michele recently won the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Ladies Open and is now preparing to compete in the European tour access series ahead of the US Open and British Open qualifying competitions later this summer. She has credited the support of PD&MS with allowing her to return to professional golf full time, after a hiatus five years ago.
Michele said: “I met the company’s executive chairman a few years ago while I was a caddy at one of the local courses. We got into conversation about my golf career and how costs meant it was difficult for me to pursue the sport full time as a professional.
“PD&MS Group’s continued support has been a real boost to my game, especially as it’s harder to secure the backing of sponsors in women’s golf which typically receives less exposure than men’s. The company’s sponsorship has enabled me to pursue my career and compete without the constant worry of tournament expenses and overheads.”
Kris Nicol is currently in preparation for the EuroPro Tour in May. The 30-year old golfer will set out to finish in the top five in order to qualify for the European Tour.
He said: “The support I get from PD&MS is crucial to my competition plans and targets for my professional career. The company has been with me since I decided to go pro four years ago and throughout my move from the amateur to professional game. With this level of loyalty, it means I can focus of my golf and continue to progress in my sport.”
The firm’s assistance has also enabled motorbike racer Darren Ross to move up from ‘clubman’ status to competing in the Scottish Superbike Championship over the past two years.
He said: “Having this sponsorship makes a major difference to how I approach the race season. Back in 2013, I only managed to attend around half the events I wanted to because costs can be so high. Last summer, with the support of PD&MS, I was able to attend the entire Scottish competition round.”
The workshop manager dedicates his free time to competitive racing across Scotland and is now setting his sights on UK-wide competitions. He added: “Sponsorship means I am able to set myself higher targets and achieve more than if I was funding each race myself. Everything from transporting my bike, to keeping tyres on it costs money so with PD&MS’s support I can stay focused on racing at my best, rather than the costs around it.”
The engineering company has also renewed its sponsorship of road-bike racer Angus Mearns for the sixth consecutive year. Angus, who has been racing for 18 years, is set to race his Yamaha R600 Superstock across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
He said: “I’ve raced most circuits in this country throughout my racing career and finished second in the Scottish Superstock 600 last year. Thanks to the sponsorship from PD&MS Group I hope to carry on improving and continue competing for many years to come.”
PD&MS Group’s projects director Mark Lunney said: “Backing these talented local sports people as they move closer to their ultimate sporting dreams is something that we are very proud to be involved in. We are fully committed to supporting like-minded people who show such determination, ambition and ability in their chosen fields. We wish them all the very best of luck in achieving their goals this season, and beyond.”
