Discover the fascinating journey of a seasoned broadcast journalist turned esports education pioneer in this exclusive interview with The World’s Times. From founding award-winning PRN, a UK Radio Service Provider, to spearheading esports education with NTESPORTS, delve into the unique background and experiences that have shaped a leader at the forefront of the rapidly evolving esports and education landscape. Gain insights into the challenges faced, the vision driving NTESPORTS, and the strategies that set them apart in this dynamic industry. Don’t miss the compelling story of bridging the gap between esports and education, showcased in this insightful interview.
Dive into the Roots
We started the interview by asking, “Explain your background and your company’s in detail.”
Nik Turner replied, “I started my career as a broadcast journalist working in UK radio where I quickly became the news and sports editor for a national broadcaster. At the age of 24 I set up my first Business ‘PRN’ which was a UK Radio Service Provider specializing in News and Sport broadcasting to over 200 independent local radio stations in addition to other services such as marketing and content distribution. At the time PRN was an award winning innovative company using the latest technology to distribute radio services. Broadcasting from 6 studios 7 days a week in addition to the traditional methods of broadcasting news and sport via ISDN PRN became the first company to deliver bulletins over the internet. PRN was ahead of its time delivering bespoke local news and sport across the UK and beyond and we led the path for others to follow.
Personal circumstances saw relocation for me and my family and I decided a new career was waiting for me. I was asked to give a guest lecture at a local college and that was the start of my time in Education. I spent ten years as head of Department at an Ofsted Outstanding Further Education and University Centre in charge of Media and IT. Ten years ago I introduced games design into the curriculum and at the same time was asked to join an advisory board for an esports organisation and that signaled the start of my career in esports. I joined the company as a consultant to develop their education center and after creating a suite of short courses a National Qualification in esports, the BTEC, was launched and I was asked to join the team at the leading college for esports provision in the UK. I led the team successfully for two years before stepping out of education again to develop my company Ntesports Ltd.
The birth of Ntesports came about through a natural demand for my services. At that time there I was one of the only people in the UK who had worked within the esports industry and also had over a decade of experience in the education sector and having recognized my niche position it made sense to maximize this potential.
Ntesports is a consultancy agency specializing in esports and education. We offer a very wide range of services relating to esports in education including teaching resources, quality assurance, design and delivery of courses, curriculums or study programs and the support required for implementation.
Whether you’re an educational establishment or other organisation ntesports can help deliver a full esports facility with no consultancy cost thanks to a very strong partnership with the UK’s leading Esports Arena manufacturer within education Yoyotech! Designing and installing a professional esports arena or gaming hub is not as straight forward as people think, but we can deliver it all making the process simple and easy.
But our services go beyond just education and facilities – due to our extensive knowledge of esports and our network of partners we’re happy to support you whatever your requirement.
Our shop for esports teaching resources has grown into the largest of its type in the world as we continue to support teachers delivering the BTEC qualification. Ntesports also supports grassroots esports and are proud sponsors of two teams owned and run by teenagers. CTRL esports are based in the UK and TakeBackControl are Chicago based, we feel it’s important to support and mentor such organisations as they try to make ground in a very competitive market.”
The Worlds Times: Give us one word that describes you the best.
Approachable
Setting the Course for Success
The Worlds Times: What are your goals?
Nik Turner replied, “My goals are very simple, most importantly I want to maintain a healthy work life balance centered on my family. It’s very easy to get carried away with your business success but my family keeps my feet on the ground and reminds what’s important in life. In managing this I want to continue to help promote and develop esports in the UK and in other countries where I can support. In addition to my role as Chief Education Advisor for Esports Scotland I’m currently working on a major project with the Esports Trade Association and Esports Africa News to help provide African nations with a global platform to be heard on as they try to generate the interest and growth required for a sustainable future. I have also just joined Squid Academy as an advisor who is working on some great initiatives across South East Asia. My passion for esports and education means I enjoy and take great pride in helping the industry move forward, this is my driving force.”
Unveiling the Core Strength
The Worlds Times: What do you feel is the biggest strength of “NTESPORTS” right now?
Nik Turner replied, “The biggest strength of Ntesports is undoubtably the knowledge, experience and the network available to us within esports and education that we bring to the table. Sometimes the stars align and the development of esports in the UK, in particular formal education thanks significantly to Pearson and the British Esports Federation who has worked tirelessly in this field has helped Ntesports develop as part of that journey. Having worked in both the esports industry and esports education it gives me an invaluable insight into both sides of the coin which allows me to think creatively on how the two are best developed together.”
Origins of NTESPORTS
The Worlds Times: Why did you start “NTESPORTS”?
Nik Turner replied, “Plain and simple Ntesports started due to a demand for what I had to offer. I was receiving numerous calls and invite every week from organisations looking for advice and support, I had teachers requesting resources and in a relatively short amount of time the idea of turning this support and demand into a business became very apparent.”
Navigating Challenges
The Worlds Times: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome during the journey of your leadership?
Nik Turner replied, “There have been many challenges along the way and there will definitely be more in the future. The rapidly changing esports ecosystem creates fresh opportunities and obstacles when you are developing your business. The key to overcoming those challenges is the ability to remain flexible and adaptable, you need to understand market trends and changing requirements in order to grow, diversify and ensure that you are able to deliver products and service that the market needs.”
The Heart of NTESPORTS
The Worlds Times: What do you value the most about “NTESPORTS” vision?
Nik Turner replied, “The part of Ntesports vision that I value the most is the ability for the company to support itself financially while helping and supporting others as part of the process. Every element of work we undertake is supportive in one way or another and being in a position to offer a solution to others problems is a great way to run a business and one that satisfies my passion for esports.”
Strategic Prowess
The Worlds Times: What are the strategies of “NTESPORTS” and how do you stand unique from others?
Nik Turner replied, “What makes us unique is the fully rounded experience we have in the industry. We have worked on both sides of the coin in terms of esports and education and during that time have developed an extensive network and play a vital role in the esports community in the UK. This facilitates trust in our clients and when you deliver the end product or implement a successful solution the reputation of the company solidifies in the market place.”
Unveiling Leadership Insights
The Worlds Times: What are the key values which helped you to overcome the challenges in your path? Tell us something about your memorable incident in your leadership?
Nik Turner replied, “Over the last twenty five years I have had the pleasure of leading and managing a number of different teams, each with their own challenges. In every situation the teams have grown into well-oiled machines that produce effective and efficient results with great impact. But perhaps the most important thing for me is the motivation of others to achieve that. I am a firm leader but my team knows how much I value them, I remind them regularly even if that involves a simple ‘thank you’ or an appreciative email. Far too many leaders forget that their success is dependent on those around them, those they work with and the team members are all people, just like you and I. Everyone has their own issues to deal with in life and it’s important to recognize this and remember this and treat your team in the way you want to be treated. Kindness and supportive leadership goes a long way to push your business forward.”
Anticipating Evolution
The Worlds Times: How do you see the company changing in three years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?
Nik Turner replied, “In such a rapidly changing industry it’s difficult to predict what changes will occur but I think there will be some changes of crucial significance to my business. Qualifications in the UK are always under review and under scrutiny from the powers that be which means courses and qualifications can be dropped, removed and changed very quickly. Sometimes this may be a result of a change of government but either way nothing in education is guaranteed for life. But with this in mind I have no doubt that esports is for life and the question is how will education meander through any troubled waters and how can ntesports remain at the forefront of supporting that development.”
Unveiling the NTESPORTS Advantage
The Worlds Times: What benefits are clients getting from “NTESPORTS” in this competitive world?
Nik Turner replied, “Our clients benefit from extensive knowledge and experience that doesn’t exist with many other organisations. Esports and education, although growing, still remains niche and a very tight community. Due to all of the different services we offer across a wide range of areas our clients know that we know what we’re doing and that instills trust, something invaluable for any business and their reputation.”
Closing Words
Lastly we asked, “Would you like to say anything else to our viewers?”
“If you’re entering the world of esports and education then it’s really important to reach out to the community when you need support. You will soon realize that everyone in the industry is passionate about it and more often than not happy to help. You’ll also see that the same names and organisations keep appearing, like Ntesports and there is a reason for this. Trust your instincts and go with your gut feeling but either way don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Nik Turner concluded
Connect Nik Turner on LinkedIn
Visit Ntesports to learn more about it
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