What do you get when you merge five-a-side football and business? You get Business Fives.

The tournament, which encourages firms across Scotland to enter a five-a-side team in both a winter and summer event, is entering its fourth season.

And entries are now being taken for the forthcoming winter season with heats throughout Scotland in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen and culminating in the national final in Glasgow on March 14th.

So far more than 300 companies have taken part in the events which offer a mix teambuilding and networking - and this year it was the Construction, Housing & Property winners AC Whyte & Co and RBS who were crowned the summer winter champs respectively.

The events for this sector are supported by industry partners Scottish Property Federation, Scottish Construction Now and Scottish Housing News who have taken part and been actively involved in the events throughout the year.

It’s even had some famous ex-players and sporting celebrities taking part as ambassadors including ex-Hearts star Gary MacKay and Hibs legend Pat Stanton along with Sky Sports presenter David Tanner.

Tournament founder and Business Fives managing director John McClarey - who also organised a highly-successful inaugural Business Fours golf tournament - says it’s a great opportunity for professionals to make new connections and for businesses to bond with colleagues outside of the office, get fit and raise money for charity.

This winter Business Fives is continuing to allow companies to play for their chosen charity over with the winning company taking its company commitment to donate 10 per cent of everything to their cause this winter.

Previously it elected a sole charity partner, but now firms who take part can elect their own chosen charity with the destination of the final donation being decided by the overall champions.

John said: “By allowing companies to play for their chosen charity we have made a much bigger overall impact to charity.

“The summer season saw us almost double our original target of £10,000 and raise £19,600 which was a brilliant achievement from everyone involved.”

The tournament is now open for entries and to register a team go to businessfives.co.uk/winter-2018.

Business Fives Dates for your Diary

Edinburgh Event

Construction, Housing & Property Heat - Tuesday 23rd January, World of Football, Edinburgh

Glasgow Event

Construction, Housing & Property Heat - Tuesday 30th January, SoccerWorld, Glasgow