Tag Archives: Sponsorship

News

Swansea Building Society sponsors Barbarians for Wales showdown

Rugby enthusiasts are in for a unique treat this autumn, as the iconic Barbarians, nicknamed the Baa-baas, gear up for an historic showdown against Wales on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The much-anticipated fixture will pay tribute to the world’s most-capped player and former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain, Alun Wyn Jones. It will also mark the homecoming of the Wales team after their Rugby World Cup campaign in France.

Swansea Building Society – celebrating its centenary this year – will act as sponsor of the Barbarians’ iconic black and white hooped shirts for the match, with the society’s logo prominently displayed above the players’ numbers on the back of the shirts.

The Barbarians’ star-studded squad includes South African Duane Vermeulen and Argentine back row sensation Pablo Matera, who will make a quick journey from France following the World Cup to join their teammates. They will be joined by the illustrious Australian back row veteran, Michael Hooper, who boasts 125 international caps and holds the record for leading his country 69 times. Hooper, who narrowly missed the World Cup due to injury, is no stranger to Cardiff, having played in the 2015 World Cup Final defeat to New Zealand at Twickenham, winning six out of seven games against Wales on Welsh soil.

Additional stellar names are expected to feature for the Baa-Baas, with further announcements forthcoming. This thrilling encounter also promises a battle of the coaching titans, with Warren Gatland and his coaching team pitted against Australia’s Eddie Jones and New Zealand’s Scott Robertson, who will lead the opposition from the coach’s box.

This match offers rugby fans from across the globe an extraordinary opportunity to pay homage to one of the game’s greatest warriors, Alun Wyn Jones, while providing Wales head coach Gatland with a platform to build on the World Cup experience as he readies his side for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are immensely proud to sponsor the Barbarians and to adorn their iconic black and white hooped shirts with the Swansea Building Society logo. This partnership is not only a celebration of rugby’s rich tradition but also a testament to our Society’s commitment to the community and the sport. We are thrilled to be a part of this historic clash and delighted to celebrate the remarkable Alun Wyn Jones – a fantastic player with close links to our Society.”

The game will kick-off at 2:30pm, and tickets are available now from WRU.WALES/TICKETS.

News

Swansea Building Society unveils sponsorship agreement with Swansea RFC

As it marks its centenary year, Swansea Building Society proudly announces the continuation of its commitment to local sports, community organisations and charitable causes through the renewal of its sponsorship with the local rugby union team, Swansea RFC, known as ‘The Whites.’

Swansea ‘Whites’ was originally established in 1872 as a football club, before the team switched to the rugby code in 1874. A few years later, in 1881, Swansea RFC became one of the founding clubs of the Welsh Rugby Union and has gone on to be four-time Welsh Premier Division Champions.

During its early years, the team displayed remarkable prowess, boasting an astonishing 22-month unbeaten streak. In 1935, it achieved a crowning achievement by defeating the formidable New Zealand All Blacks with a score of 11-3, becoming the first-ever rugby union club to conquer this renowned team.

Fast-forward to the 1990s, and the club experienced another era of remarkable success, highlighted by a historic 21-6 victory at home against the reigning world champions, Australia. The team’s home ground, St. Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground, offers picturesque views of Swansea Bay. Their inaugural home game at this venue took place in 1876, and it also hosted the first-ever home international match for Welsh rugby in 1882.

The club boasts an illustrious roster of former players, including notable names like Gavin Henson, Dan Biggar, Mark Wyatt, Ryan Jones, and the esteemed Alun Wyn Jones, who not only represented Wales but also captained the British and Irish Lions.

The renewed sponsorship of Swansea RFC comes in the same year that Swansea Building Society marks a momentous occasion: celebrating 100 years. Founded as a mutual in 1923, the Society has remained dedicated to serving the South Wales area by offering a range of savings and mortgage products. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

The Society’s centenary year has seen it announce record-breaking results, with total assets, mortgage balances, savings, capital and profits all reaching record highs in the 12 months to December 31, 2022. For the remainder of 2023, Swansea Building Society will continue to celebrate its centenary milestone by engaging in various charitable initiatives and community projects – including the donation of over £100,000 to local charities. These initiatives reflect the Society’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the Swansea community that has supported it for the past 100 years.

David Blyth, Board Member, Swansea RFC, said:

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Swansea Building Society – which has been a long-standing supporter of the club – as it celebrates its centenary year. This sponsorship is a testament to the Society’s unwavering commitment to the local community and sports and something we fully appreciate here at Swansea RFC. Together, we aim to continue our legacy of excellence, both on and off the field.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Swansea Building Society, said:

“All here at Swansea Building Society are proud to renew our support for Swansea RFC, a club with a rich history and a deep connection to the local community. Our shared values and commitment to the people of South Wales have been the foundation of Swansea Building Society’s success for a century, and in the case of Swansea RFC for just over 150 years. We are delighted to be able to continue our support of this historic club and wish the team every success in the coming season.”

Commercial Property, Midlands News, News, Sport

Bromwich Hardy in pole position with racing car sponsorship

Leading Midlands independent commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy has taken to the racetrack with a turbocharged new sponsorship deal.

The Coventry-based agency – which regularly finds itself in pole position in independent tables of the most successful agencies in the country – has teamed up with father-and-son car racing team Guy and Alex Povey.

The Poveys race in the all-action Gaz Shocks 116 Trophy – a one-make race formula dedicated to the BMW 116i which is now the country’s fastest-growing rear-wheel drive endurance series.

Each race lasts between 90 and 180 minutes with two mandatory pit stops and up to three drivers, there are also special sprint rounds and events are held at some of the country’s most famous racetracks.

Bromwich Hardy founding partner Tom Bromwich said he was delighted to be supporting the Poveys.

“Guy and Alex make a terrific team and it is wonderful to see a father and son being able to compete together at such a high standard in the same team.

“They bring to the racetrack all the qualities we value at Bromwich Hardy – teamwork, commitment to success and the need to bring through the next generation – and are a natural partner for us.”

Alex, aged 25, an automotive engineer with Bosch, said his 62-year-old dad had been racing for more than 20 years and had competed and won all over the world during his career.

“By contrast, this is only my second season racing having done a little bit of karting before when I was young. Last year we had a podium at Silverstone and some top 10 finishes and have had two outings so far this season at Croft and Oulton Park.

“At Croft we struggled in qualifying and started 17th out of 35. We eventually finished 14th after being hit from behind when a car with which Guy was battling lost its brakes.

“We had a great race at Oulton and were running eighth on the final lap – with every chance of moving up a couple of places – when a rival spun us out and into the barrier.

We have had to rebuild the front of the car after bending some suspension arms and smashing the front end.”

Alex said the Solihull-based team were now hoping for better luck throughout the remainder of the season.

“We cannot thank Bromwich Hardy enough for the help and support they have given us and it is tremendous to see such a successful company getting involved in motor racing at this level. We hope to reward their support with some great results later in the season.”

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit www.bromwichhardy.com

Construction, Construction News, News, South East, Sport

Builders merchant helps Winchester City’s under 16s ‘build’ for the future

The Southampton branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted to be the new kit sponsor of Winchester City Football Club’s under 16s team for the 2022/2023 season.

The builders merchant’s sponsorship will help to support the players and their coaches, and new match day and training kits displaying Covers’ logo have been issued to the team.

Winchester City Under 16s is a squad of 15 hardworking and talented boys. Core members of the team began playing together nine years ago as under 7s and have competed in all age groups of the Southampton Tyro League. Last season they won the league and made it to the league cup final.

Russell Vowles, Manager of the Winchester City Under 16s, commented:

“Sponsorship for match day and training kits from local companies is invaluable. Like most clubs, Winchester City is run on an entirely voluntary basis and, therefore, the funds to purchase kits are not available. This fantastically generous sponsorship enables the club to compete and offers the team a uniformed kit, which creates a feeling of belonging, a sense of pride and worth, and contributes to a professional match day and training experience.

“We are so very grateful to Covers for their generosity; the worth of the new kit is immeasurable. We look forward to seeing the boys wear the new kit next season in the City of Southampton League. Thanks Covers for your support.”

Michael Sheath, Depot Manager at Covers Southampton, added:

“Local sports teams give so much to the community, and we are delighted to be making this commitment to Winchester City’s under 16s team – the kits look great. We wish the squad the very best of luck for the season and look forward to hearing about their results.”

News

Bromwich Hardy scores with new sponsorship deal

Award-winning commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy has signed a new sponsorship deal with Coventry Rugby Club.

Tom Bromwich, founding partner of the Coventry agency, said the deal was an excellent opportunity for the expanding firm to show its continuing support for its home city.

“We are very fortunate to be growing the business and now find ourselves working all across the country,” said Tom.

“But Coventry remains our home and we are delighted to be able to play our part in supporting the city through this sponsorship deal.

“Coventry Rugby Club has a proud tradition in the history of the sport in this country – with a long list of international players having represented the club – and are an ambitious and forward-looking club.

“Last season they finished eighth in the Championship – the second tier of English rugby – and reached the final of the Championship Cup. Off the field, they play a huge role in the community through their foundation and outreach activity, and it is a pleasure to be involved with them.”

Matt Cannon, general manager from the club, said he was delighted to welcome Bromwich Hardy to the team.

“It’s fantastic to welcome Bromwich Hardy on board at Butts Park Arena – they have a fantastic reputation locally and I cannot wait to work with partner Dawn Cooper and Tom to drive the relationship forward.

“Their professionalism and work within the community is something we admire and we are thrilled to announce this partnership and enjoy many match days together in the Platinum Marquee.”

The deal widens Bromwich Hardy’s sporting sponsorships which also include being shirt sponsor for Kenilworth Rugby Club and support for Coventry Alvis Football Club and Cardiff Met Netball Club.

Bromwich Hardy is one of the country’s largest independent commercial property agencies, regularly featuring in independent lists of the most active firms in the industry.

Awards, News

TRIC announces Euronics as its first ever title partner for the TRIC Awards 2022

TRIC is delighted to announce that the TRIC Awards 2022 will be in partnership with leading electrical retail buying group, Euronics.

It’s the first time ever that TRIC has given a sponsor an in-partnership status for the Awards. This is a really exciting journey for both parties, as it offers wider brand awareness and an opportunity for both brands to tap into new audiences nationwide.

This is the second high-profile sponsorship agreement for Euronics this year, who is also an official Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s Football, and will be donating TRIC tickets for the Women’s Euros as part of the silent auction to raise money for this year’s chosen charities Save the Children and the Alzheimer’s Society.

TRIC Chair, Dan Todaro: “We are delighted to welcome Euronics to the TRIC Awards as title sponsors, our first in the awards history. This is a great partnership which compliments the Television & Radio Industries Clubs ethos, raising funds for good causes on behalf of talent across broadcast media On Line, On TV & On Radio and also those who produce the devices we watch and listen on”.

The TRIC Awards 53rd ceremony will be back at the lavish Grosvenor House, on Park Lane, the home of over 50 awards ceremonies. The day will see the best talent of TV, radio and online celebrating the most loved shows and talent, taking place in the height of British summer on Wednesday, 6th July.

Presenting the show will be TRIC President, Alex Jones. Amongst the UK’s best loved TV presenters, co-hosting The One Show for over 11 years.

The awards will be presented in front of a live in-person audience of over 1000 guests, and will again be streamed, for fans to tune in and to watch all the action on a livestream or on-demand, hosted across streaming platform, ScreenHits TV.

Charity & CSR, News

RHS flower shows help cancer research UK bloom through pandemic

The largest funder of cancer research in Europe, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has seen its long-term garden sponsorship of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) continue to pay off with an increase in engagement over the last 12 months.

CRUK first started working with the RHS over 10 years ago however, over the last 12 months the cancer research charity increased its focus on developing its legacy messaging. Last year CRUK saw success through sponsoring show gardens at the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

The big challenge CRUK faced in 2021 was having almost all its in-person events and engagement activities put on hold due to the pandemic. Forced to use remote and digital marketing strategies to engage with its supporters, the charity looked to the RHS shows to help complement its other marketing channels and optimise the outcome during what was an extremely challenging year for many charities.

Sam Devlin, Head of Legacy Product at CRUK, said: “Although digital marketing activities play an important role in our marketing and engagement plans, it does not substitute meaningful face to face conversations, especially when you can treat your supporters to an amazing experience at the same time.

“The RHS is an established organisation with a renowned programme of events that attracts visitors who are closely aligned to our audience. The shows allowed us to reach this audience in an enjoyable, leisurely environment.”

CRUK’s Legacy Garden, designed by the innovative young designer Tom Simpson for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, won a hat-trick of awards, including the RHS Gold Medal, Best in Show, and Best Construction. It represented the duality between CRUK’s legacy supporters and researchers who together will help to beat cancer. Whilst the charity’s Legacy Garden at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, designed by Neil Sutcliffe, was a peaceful and immersive space inspired by a Greek proverb, ‘A Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they shall never sit in.’

The charity has seen legacy giving awareness and consideration increase significantly, with more people leaving a gift in their will and show visitors engaging with their garden, leading to meaningful conversations. 

Devlin continued: “RHS shows have allowed us to build on this consideration by telling the story of our life-saving research through the show garden design. Working closely with the best garden designers helps get our message across in a clever, engaging and sensitive way.

“We are now looking at how we build on our relationship with the RHS even further, aiming to work more collaboratively with other like-minded charities to amplify our messaging. We want to appear at more shows across the UK creating unique and engaging experiences in an innovative way.”

Helena Pettit, RHS Director of Shows and Gardens, said: “Our RHS shows provide a unique platform for charities and other organisations to promote their brands to large audiences. Sponsoring a garden is an excellent way of engaging people with your messaging because it allows you to tell your story in a beautiful way through plants. As a charity, our RHS shows and the publicity around them are vital in helping us promote our own charitable work and for fundraising purposes. 

“Over the last two years, there has been a gardening boom with people of all ages now interested in horticulture. This has opened up huge opportunities for our sponsors to capitalise on this increased interest in gardening and target a range of demographics that they may not be able to do through other channels. We’re delighted at the success CRUK has had through working with us, and are proud to have supported them through a challenging time to create meaningful experiences for their supporters.”

News, Sport

New sponsor for Avon & Somerset Police Football Team as ActionCoach Ilminster signs sponsorship deal

Avon & Somerset Police Mens Football Team is delighted to welcome ActionCoach Ilminster as its main shirt sponsor. Run by Duncan McKechnie, the business has signed a sponsorship deal that will see its branding on the front of player shirts and other kit.

Avon & Somerset Football Club plays in the PSUK Championships and has been national runners up twice (2016 & 2019) in the last six years. The team comprises a mixture of Police Officers, Police Staff and Specials. They also play in the Emergency Services Football League (ESFL) where they face NHS, Fire, HMP and Military Teams in a regional and then national cup competition. After a successful start to the season, the team currently sits top of the South West ESFL.

DS Richard O’Brien of Bristol CID said: “We are delighted to have ActionCoach Ilminster on board as our shirt sponsor. The players really value having a local business involved in the club. The ongoing success of the team helps with the challenges of the day job following the recent unprecedented demands we have faced.”

From South Africa originally, Duncan McKechnie moved to Somerset in 2008. After a career in the South African Air Force as a helicopter pilot and instructor followed by 15 years in corporate roles, he launched his ActionCoach business in 2020. He helps business owners to take their businesses to new heights using tried and tested business coaching programmes.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Duncan said: “My wife and I moved to Somerset in 2008 and were amazed how incredibly welcoming the local community was. When I heard about the sponsorship opportunity with the Avon & Somerset Police Football team, it seemed like an ideal way to say thank you. Not just to our local community but also to the local police offers that have done so much to help keep us all safe, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a military background myself, I know just how challenging their role can be. Along with all the other emergency services, they have done a fantastic job, and I am pleased to show my appreciation by supporting the club.”

Charity & CSR, News

Bridge Health & Wellbeing becomes official sponsor at Weymouth Football Club

Bridge Health & Wellbeing, based in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to have become a health and wellbeing partner at Weymouth Football Club.

One of the biggest football clubs in Dorset, Weymouth FC is a semi-professional club currently competing in the Vanarama National League. Bridge Health & Wellbeing will be providing specialist physiotherapy services, chiropractic treatments and sports massage services to players.

Paul O’Connell, lead physiotherapist and co-founder of Bridge Health & Wellbeing said: “We are delighted to be working with Weymouth Football Club. Our clinical team have a wealth of experience in professional sport so teaming up with a club like Weymouth is a great union for both parties. We have already treated several of their players for football-related injuries. Footballers regularly suffer from injuries including sprained ankles, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, hamstring strains, groin strains and knee injuries. We are keen to make sure players get back to full strength as quickly as possible and are ready to give their best on the pitch for the fans. As a major sports team in our area, we are proud to be playing our part in supporting their success.”

Weymouth has had a successful few years, being crowned overall Southern League Premier champions in the 2018/2019 season and securing promotion to the National League South. Weymouth finished the 2019/20 season in 3rd place and on 1 August 2020, they were promoted to the National League after a play-off final win against Dartford.

Brian Stock, First Team Manager at Weymouth Football Club commented: “It is important that as a club we look after our players. Knowing we have the added help and expertise from Bridge Health and Wellbeing will give us the reassurance we need to protect our players.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage, rehabilitation services and  Pilates, yoga and Qigong classes from their state-of-the-art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. Their team of experts can help you get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in your mind and body. To find out more or book your appointment contact 01202 473800 or email info@bridgehw.com.

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News

Kings Norton Rhinos start season in style thanks to Bellway’s sponsorship

A junior rugby team is now playing in brand-new kit thanks to local housebuilder Bellway.

Kings Norton Rhinos Under 13s received a donation of £1,400 from the housebuilder – which is building new homes at The Oaks in Kings Norton – and the money funded new kit for the team to start the season.

The U13 Rhinos are part of Kings Norton RFC, which was founded almost 100 years ago and now has members aged from six upwards. The club is based at Hopwood Park, off Ash Lane, Hopwood.

Bellway West Midlands is building a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes at The Oaks, located off Parsons Hill, approximately four miles from the club’s ground.

Jake Morris, lead coach for the U13 Rhinos, said: “All the boys on the team are 12 years old from Kings Norton and surrounding areas, from different schools and backgrounds.

“I reached out to Bellway as I know they were building in the local area, and I felt it important that all the boys had a matching unified kit. We wanted to enable everyone to look the same, play as one and enjoy themselves, no matter their background.

“The boys were really excited when they got the kit and were inspired to come back and play rugby again after a turbulent year of cancelled training due to Covid restrictions.

“We are really pleased that Bellway was able to support us. It’s great to see a large housebuilder support the local community in which they build.”

The team is run by four coaches, including Jake, all of whom are volunteers and also have sons playing in the team.

There are 24 members of the U13 Rhinos and around 230 players in the Kings Norton RFC junior section. Each team is run entirely by volunteers.

Marie Richards, Sales Director of Bellway West Midlands, said: “We are pleased the team were happy with their new kits and excited to start the new season.

“It has been a rocky year for lots of young people involved in clubs such as this one, being unable to be involved in group activities due to Covid-19 restrictions. So we are happy these kits will enable them to come together and play as one again.

“Clubs like this one rely on funding and donations and are run entirely by volunteers, so we are glad to be able to show our support.”

Bellway is selling the final nine homes at The Oaks, where prices currently start at £257,500 for a two-bedroom house, with other three and four-bedroom properties also on the market.

For more information about the properties available at The Oaks, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/the-oaks or call the sales office on 0121 756 2091.

Captions:

  • The Kings Norton Rhinos showing off their new kit, featuring Bellway West Midlands sponsorship