2020 ANNUAL REPORT

13 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT The return of international cricket showcased our sport across the world in a positive light. Building a bio-secure model that enabled a schedule of both men’s and women’s cricket to be played not only provided a lifeline for the game financially, it also displayed an example of cricket’s ability to work in partnership across all levels of the game. In relation to the grassroots game, rescuing two months of recreational cricketing activity was critically important and testament to the passion and dedication of all those volunteers who worked with our community and development team to deliver that outcome. That we were able to see a mean- ingful period of domestic red- and white-ball cricket in August and September represented a significant achievement after a long period of debate amongst the counties. Seeing the players return toTrent Bridge heralded some late-summer cheer at a time when it was much needed by us all. Those two months of county cricket enabled our players and coaching staff to show that their diligent preparations for the new season had been worthwhile, as the team showed improvement in the longer format in the BobWillisTrophy. It was particularly pleasing to see young, local-born players make a positive contribution in such a truncated season. Lifting our fifth domestic trophy in 11 years at Vitality Blast Finals Day was rich reward for the skill and commitment of our white-ball team, and winning one of the two trophies on offer last summer will send the whole squad into 2021 with renewed confidence. Throughout the summer, we were very much aware that lockdown prevented a large number of our loyal members and supporters – from those of you who rarely miss a ball all summer, through to those who look forward to their annual pilgrimage for a major match – from attendingTrent Bridge. Once competitive action was under- way, our enhanced live streaming allowed us to provide match day coverage and a glimmer of normality as well as some longed for entertain- ment. However, we also understood that, for many people, maintaining contact with fellow cricket watchers would have been of equal importance. In the early months, a group of our staff made phone calls to hundreds of members, purely to check in, to talk about the ongoing situation and to lament the lack of cricket in our lives.The overwhelming support and sense of togetherness that prevailed from those conversations was truly heartwarming for all concerned. Much was asked of our staff in 2020 against a backdrop of salary cuts across the board, and personal uncertainty for many. Building and delivering complex operating models to ensure cricket could return in a safe environment was a monumental task, but one that was delivered to exacting standards. They were also willing to volunteer and support aspects of the community effort, assisting Guru Nanak’s Mission in providing meals for those without a home and raising signif- icant funds for various charities by pioneering and supporting a game- wide auction in partnership with our team sponsor, John Pye. Within our community, the disadvantaged young people that count on our charity arm – theTrent Bridge CommunityTrust – continued to need that support more than ever in these difficult times. That funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council for our flagship