Scoring off the pitch

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

England rugby player Matt Dawson has scored a notable success by turning his hobby into a business. In two years, his sports memorabilia company has become one of the leaders in its field.

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Having played nearly 40 times for England, the 28-year-old scrum-half has accumulated many kits. He says: 'These items mean a lot to me, but much more to collectors who will pay huge prices for memorabilia.'

Dawson's company, Living With Legends, sold a pair of David Beckham's boots for £1,000 and they were sold on for £8,000. 'Match-worn gear is in demand because it is rare,' he says. 'People will pay up to £250 for an original England rugby shirt signed by all the squad. Friends in other professional sports have got at least as much kit around the house as I have, so there is plenty out there.'

Dawson, who plays for rugby union's Northampton Saints, went into business with two friends from Milton Keynes - Tom Keeley, 40, a graphic designer, and Tim Wakefield, 38, who owns a sports print company.

In 1998, they set up a website, ww.livingwithlegends.com, where customers may buy memorabilia. Besides offering original items, the company arranges the manufacture of limited-edition replica shirts from various sports, with original signatures.

Dawson has found that sales depend on the success of a tour or match. If an important game goes well, a limited edition shirt may sell out. With a £30,000 annual turnover, Dawson views the last two years as a pilot scheme, now on course to expand.

The three partners have invested £50,000. They want to raise £150,000 to take the company forward. Dawson says: 'The money would be spent on hiring a general manager and assistant, and the projected range of editions for 2001. Also, we would like to deal with higher profile sports people - and they are not cheap.'

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