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31st August, 2011
London 2012 announces Nature Valley as tier three sponsor
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has today announced that Nature Valley has become the official cereal snack bar supplier to London 2012 in a tier three sponsorship deal. The company becomes LOCOG's forty-third domestic sponsor.
The deal will see Nature Valley cereal bars, which boasts a position as the number one crunchy cereal snack bar brand in the UK and Ireland and one of General Mills UK's fastest-growing brands, sold at London 2012 concessions within venues and distributed to athletes, Games-time workforce and volunteers.
Nature Valley is available in several flavours including Oats n Honey and Canadian Maple Syrup.
LOCOG Commercial Director Chris Townsend said: "It's less than a year before the Games and this demonstrates the level of detail we have got to in our planning. Providing snacks and sustenance to our huge workforce is important and Nature Valley will help us do that.
"We're delighted to welcome Nature Valley to the London 2012 family. We are now approaching our targets and we are thrilled with the calibre of our commercial partners who are world class organisations helping us to stage the Games".
General Mills UK Managing Director Jim Moseley added: "Nature Valley is driving accelerated growth in the cereal bar category and we are proud to play our part in the 2012 Olympic Games. To become part of such a celebrated global event is a natural fit for a globally successful brand like Nature Valley".
27th August, 2011
YouTube to sponsor NFTS (National Film & Television School) Showcase at the BFI Southbank
As announced yesterday in his MacTaggart Lecture at the Media Guardian Edinburgh Festival, Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, today confirmed that YouTube are to support the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in a three year sponsorship.
YouTube will sponsor the NFTS Showcase at the BFI Southbank and fund a new initiative called The Film Clinic.
YouTube says the aim of its sponsorship of the NFTS Showcase is to help provide a platform for Britain's emerging film and television programme makers. By sponsoring this three day event, YouTube will help bring the content creators of the future to a much broader audience.
The NFTS, now in its fortieth year and ranked in Hollywood Reporter's top ten of 'the world's best film schools', showcases the works of its graduating students at the BFI Southbank every year. The films, documentaries, TV programmes and animations first screened here will often go on to win major awards at international festivals. In 2011, one of the graduation films, The Confession, was nominated for an Oscar and Until the River Runs Red won a BAFTA.
YouTube will also be backing a new initiative called the Film Clinic at the NFTS, tapping what they refer to as "a heap of undiscovered talent". With the availability of new inexpensive technology amateur filmmakers are documenting their own and other people's lives all the time, yet they are unsure of what to do with their material. The Film Clinic is an initiative to craft these materials into a captivating narrative and distribute it to audiences via internet platforms. Students will also benefit and learn about all aspects of the digital distribution process from YouTube experts as part of the NFTS Business Skills Module.
Nik Powell, NFTS Director, said about the YouTube sponsorship: "We are delighted that YouTube has come on board as a sponsor at a time when the NFTS is developing its plans for its Digital Village - Phase II. There is no better time for this initiative and of course we are also extremely excited that our students will benefit from the insight of industry experts as on our Business Skills Module".
In his MacTaggart Lecture at the Media Guardian Edinburgh Festival, Eric Schmidt said: "I’m delighted that we are partnering with the UK's National Film and TV School, to help young filmmakers navigate the world of YouTube. The NFTS is one of the world's most successful film and TV schools, responsible for producing graduates who have gone on to gain credits on some of the UK's and Hollywood's finest productions. Starting in January we will be investing to support an online film-making and distribution module as part of the school's curriculum".
26th August, 2011
William Hill becomes Title Sponsor of the Scottish Cup
Leading UK bookmaker William Hill has signed a seven-figure deal with the Scottish FA to become the title sponsor of the Scottish Cup.
The three-year partnership means the famous cup competition will be renamed the William Hill Scottish Cup.
William Hill, which operates over three hundred betting shops in Scotland and a total of 2,364 across the UK and Ireland, is already the official betting partner of the Scottish Premier League. The Scottish Cup sponsorship deal reaffirms their strong association with Scottish football. The agreement will also allow the bookmaker to showcase its online, mobile and retail products to Scottish football fans the length and breadth of the country.
The William Hill Scottish Cup first round draw will take place in Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries Shopping Centre on Monday, August 29th, at 10.00 am. The draw will be conducted by last year's victorious captain, Celtic's Scott Brown, the Scottish FA President, Campbell Ogilvie, and Kristof Fahy, William Hill's Group Brand and Marketing Director.
Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: "We are proud to have a leading brand like William Hill as sponsor of the Scottish Cup for the next three seasons. The new 2011/12 William Hill Scottish Cup begins in just a few weeks' time and with the competition now securing a new sponsor, we can now look forward another exciting season ahead".
Gareth Davis, Chairman of William Hill PLC, said: "It seems fitting for the most established and biggest bookmaker in Scotland to be attached to the oldest Association trophy in world football and we at William Hill consider it an honour to be able to put our name to the Scottish Cup".
24th August, 2011
MiaSolé celebrates Wales Solar Park with ARTAT Festival sponsorship
MiaSolé, the leading manufacturer of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, has today announced its sponsorship of the ARTAT 2011 Festival to commemorate the launch of the new Western Solar Park at Rhosygilwen, Wales.
The festival takes places in the
Rhosygilwen park's extensive grounds from August 26th to 29th, 2011.
The Western Solar Park is a first for Wales and one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Comprising over 9,000 panels that equal 1MW, the park will generate enough green energy to power six hundred homes when it is connected to the UK's national grid this summer. This will create a large carbon neutral region in North Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. The Park is also the first site in the U.K. where MiaSolé CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) panels, one of the highest efficiency thin-film photovoltaic solar panels in the world, are installed.
"MiaSolé is delighted to have partnered with Rhosygilwen and Czech installer FitCraft Production to create an environmentally friendly footprint in West Wales", said Joseph Laia, President and Chief Executive Officer, MiaSolé. "At MiaSolé we're committed to advancing the extraordinary potential of solar power as a competitive, sustainable energy source and the Western Solar Park is an excellent example of this".
Now in its fourth year, ArtAt exhibits works by nationally recognised and impressive emerging artists with connections to Wales in Neuadd y Dderwen (Oak Hall) and outdoor sculptures in the Park. Many of the works created for this year's festival reflect the artists' concerns with environmental, recycling, and green energy issues.
Standing at the entrance to the Western Solar Park will be Sol, a dramatic horse's head sculpted by Chris Crane out of recycled parts of wind turbines, gas gaskets and other scrap metals. John Binet-Fauvel knits his sculpture out of discarded electrical wiring. Michelle Caine weaves hers out of willow. Cassandra Lishman has also chosen willow to weave a group of herons on legs of sculpted metal made in partnership with a local blacksmith.
Dawny Tootes has used salvaged aluminium to create a chandelier that will hang from a tree and be lit by solar lights. Melissa Warren incorporates found and recycled materials to create works that can integrate with plants and weather with the seasons.
Trashion Fashion in the Gazebo will display ravishing designer clothing created out of discarded materials by six West Wales designers and textile students from Carmarthen College.
24th August, 2011
DHL delivers as training kit sponsor for Manchester United
Leading express and logistics company DHL has become the first official training kit sponsor of Manchester United.
The new four year agreement sees the DHL logo included on the club's training kit worn by all first, reserve and youth team players during domestic competitions and builds on DHL’s relationship behind the scenes at the club.
DHL has been the club's Official Logistics Partner for a year and played a key role supporting United's pre-season tour of the United States, and says it will continue to work hard to help deliver success on and off the pitch.
To mark the extended partnership, and as part of United's celebrations of its record-breaking nineteenth top-flight championship win last season, the logistics company delivered the club's gift to its fans attending Monday evening's match against Tottenham Hotspur - 73,000 specially-commissioned commemorative scarves.
John Pearson, CEO DHL Express (Europe) said: "We're delighted to be extending this strategic partnership which will see DHL getting more involved in the behind the scenes operations of Manchester United and supporting the club in its continued success".
"Building on our current relationship with the world's biggest football club reflects our ability to provide unparalleled logistics services for customers across the globe".
Announcing the new deal, Manchester United's Chief Executive, David Gill, said: "This deal breaks new ground in the English game. We are delighted that DHL has extended its partnership with the club to include the training kit. DHL's global presence and international standing are a perfect fit for the world's most popular football club".
Commercial Director Richard Arnold was equally upbeat: "This is a deal that continues to demonstrate the club's position as the most innovative and successful in the game. DHL have been a great partner to work with and have integrated with the club's operations seamlessly. The work they did around this summer's US tour was striking and we are looking forward to developing a broader relationship in the future".
22nd August, 2011
Canadian Solar announces partnership with Fulham Football Club
Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world's largest solar companies, has today announced a partnership agreement with Fulham Football Club (FC) to become their official solar energy sponsor in a two year deal.
The sponsorship deal will see the English Premier League team partner with one of the world's largest solar companies. The sponsorship extends Canadian Solar's active support of top sporting teams globally, including other top European football teams, such as Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nuremberg in Germany's Bundesliga.
As part of this sponsorship, Canadian Solar will receive dedicated marketing, hospitality and advertising privileges. Canadian Solar's logo will be featured at all home games on the digital perimeter advertising system and in other prominent, high visibility areas of the stadium. Canadian Solar will also be featured on the Fulham FC website homepage and other advertising platforms.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar's Chairman and CEO said: "We are very pleased to kick-start our partnership with Fulham and are proud to be named as official solar energy partner. We have a tremendous respect for the athletes, and share in their commitment to winning. We have a long-standing history in supporting top sports clubs, particularly in Europe. These sponsorships provide an ideal way to broaden the awareness of the Canadian Solar brand as well as providing us with strong channel support for our customers".
Finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, and currently competing in the UEFA Europa League playoffs, Fulham is one of the best known clubs in the UK. Owned and chaired by Mohamed Al Fayed, the club is committed to its fans and partnerships which are integral to the brand and the club's history and heritage.
Fulham Football Club CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, said: "Fulham is delighted to partner with Canadian Solar for the forthcoming seasons. They are a leading brand in the solar industry that complements and embodies the core values and principles of Fulham. The partnership will, I am sure, be mutually beneficial and we look forward to successful seasons working together".
14th August, 2011
Heathrow to become host airport of London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed that Heathrow has been named "Host Airport" and official supplier to London 2012 in a Tier 3 sponsorship deal.
It is estimated that Heathrow will welcome almost 80% of all Games passengers, including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators.
The Games will be a unique operational challenge for Heathrow. The day after the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games is set to be the airport's busiest day ever. 218,000 bags are expected to leave the airport, compared to 160,000 on the previous busiest day. Around 15% of the bags will be oversize sporting equipment such as canoes, pole vaults or bikes which cannot be processed through normal baggage systems.
Options being considered to manage the extra demand include baggage drop facilities at the Athletes' Village, shipping some baggage as freight, and construction of a temporary "Olympic terminal" which would be taken down after the Games.
Heathrow has also launched its own volunteer scheme for major events, with the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games a key part of it. The airport will recruit 1,000 volunteers from local communities who during Games time will meet and greet athletes, VIPs and spectators. Volunteers will have the chance to receive a range of London 2012 or Heathrow related rewards. People can sign up at www.teamheathrow.com.
LOCOG Commercial Director Chris Townsend said: "For many athletes, officials and spectators, their first experience of London and the UK will be Heathrow. I'm delighted that BAA and the airport are committed to ensuring that first impression will reflect London 2012 in terms of branding but crucially by providing the warmest of welcomes to the city".
BAA Chief Executive Colin Matthews said: "We are tremendously proud to be the host airport of the London 2012 Games. Heathrow will be the first and last impression of the London 2012 Games for thousands of people.
"London 2012 will be Heathrow's greatest challenge. Every part of the airport is working together so we can give the world's greatest athletes the world's greatest welcome.
"To deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators we will deploy 1,000 Heathrow volunteers. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something special. Volunteers will be helping spectators find their way, managing fans waiting for a peek of their heroes, and even greeting athletes and VIPs".
 10th August, 2011
British beach volleyball stars sign a bum sponsor- ship deal with Betfair
Britain's female beach volleyball champions have turned their bottoms into their bottom line by signing a unique advertising deal that encourages spectators to photograph their behinds.
Zara Dampney, 24, and Shauna Mullin, 26, have rented out their rears and become the first sportspeople to advertise a Quick Response (QR) code - a matrix barcode that when photographed on a smartphone takes a user straight to a specific website - which will be printed on the back of their bikini bottoms to ensure it catches the eye of spectators.
Betfair, the world's biggest betting community, is trailing the unique marketing technique in this week's test London 2012 beach volleyball tournament at Horse Guards Parade in London (9th August to 14th August) as part of its sponsorship deal with the British champions, currently ranked twenty-sixth in the world.
Andy Lulham from Betfair commented: "There is huge interest in beach volleyball and we want to ensure that our advertising campaign is seen and remembered by as many sports fans as possible.
"As far as we're aware this is the first time QR codes have been used in in-play sports advertising and what better way to test its effectiveness than by putting them on one of the places that is likely to get photographed the most".
4th August, 2011
Barclays invests additional £25m in cycle hire scheme, extending sponsorship to 2018
The Mayor of London's flagship Barclays Cycle Hire scheme celebrates its first birthday in the last seven days and, to mark the occasion, the Mayor has confirmed that Barclays has agreed to provide another £25m sponsorship.
The extra funding will help the scheme to expand throughout west and south west London by the summer of 2013, and also sees Barclays sponsorship extended by  three years to 2018. The additional £25m takes Barclays total investment in the scheme to £50m.
The Mayor has asked Transport for London (TfL) to prepare plans for a westward expansion of the scheme through the boroughs of Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Lambeth and Kensington & Chelsea.
It has also been confirmed that Westfield London shopping centre is to provide funding that will allow an early taster of the western expansion by extending Barclays Cycle Hire to the shopping centre by spring 2012. Approximately twelve new docking stations will connect the existing cycle hire zone to Westfield White City and six docking stations will potentially be on the grounds of Westfield London itself.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: "One year ago I launched a glorious new form of public transport in London. Today it is testament to the huge impact of Barclays Cycle Hire and to the rapidly increasing popularity of pedal power in London that I can announce we are now planning to swathe a huge chunk of the west of our city with our beautiful blue bikes.
"My thanks go to Barclays for the benevolence they have demonstrated with their latest bestowal of funds and that we can confirm the extension of their sponsorship agreement. By working together we are putting thousands more Londoners on two wheels. My thanks also go to the boroughs who have been champing at the bit for an expansion of this scheme, and to Westfield London for providing an investment that from next year will enable hordes of shoppers to make the journey to their glittering halls by the cleanest, greenest and most enjoyable form of transport available".
Last year the Mayor announced that by spring 2012 the Barclays Cycle Hire area will extend beyond central London to include all of the Borough of Tower Hamlets as well as North Shoreditch in the Borough of Hackney. People living in Bethnal Green, Bow, Canary Wharf, Mile End and Poplar will also see docking stations built in their communities.
Altogether 2,000 more cycles and 4,200 extra docking points will be installed across the existing and new Barclays Cycle Hire area when the second phase of expansion is complete. At that stage the scheme will cover around 65km² of the Capital and around 8,000 hire bikes will be available from 14,400 docking points at hundreds of locations across central and east London.
Bob Diamond, Chief Executive, Barclays Bank PLC, said: "Barclays Cycle Hire has undoubtedly been a huge success so far. Now even more people across London will benefit from this pioneering scheme, which makes a positive difference to everyday life in London, its people and its economy. Barclays commitment to citizenship, including the role we play in the communities we serve, is one of Barclays four execution priorities.
"Barclays Cycle Hire is a visible example of that commitment, and we are proud to be associated with the scheme and its further expansion".
Pictured left to right: Bob Bond, UK Distribution Officer, Barclays UK Retail and Business Banking; Kevin Wall, Managing Director, Head of Coverage, Barclays Corporate, and Vice Chairman, Barclays Capital; Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Transport Advisor; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.
1st August, 2011
BTA to sponsor ECB t20 competition
The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced that the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has signed an initial one-year contract to become the new sponsor of the national club t20 competition.
The BTA says it is keen to extend its links with English cricket and build on its successful partnership with Hampshire Cricket and the Rose Bowl.
Nick Moore, ECB head of sales, said: “We are delighted the Barbados Tourism Authority has decided to sponsor this prestigious competition and hope this is just the start of what will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship. With over half a million people playing cricket across England and Wales, the recreational game provides brands with an excellent platform to reach out into the community.
"Over the past decade Twenty20 cricket has captured the imagination of the public. With a prestigious finals day, which is televised live on Sky Sports, this competition is now seen as the culmination of the recreational season".
Petra Roach, BTA's Vice President of Sales and Marketing UK, said: "BTA is thrilled to be continuing Barbados' association with ECB recreational cricket. It's our aim to ensure Barbados is the destination of choice for the cricket community and as such we're delighted to be able to offer this year's winning team an all-inclusive pre-season tour to Barbados during spring 2012. Good luck to all participating clubs!"
The preliminary rounds of the Barbados Cockspur Club t20 are already under way, with the winning team from each league taking part in the area finals on August 14th before progressing to the regional finals, which are scheduled for August 28th and 29th.
The winners of the regional finals move forward to finals day on September 19th at the Ford County Ground, Chelmsford – the home of the Essex Eagles.
Broadcast live on Sky Sports the Barbados Cockspur t20 finals day will mirror the format of the Friends Life t20 competition with two semi-finals and the final under floodlights. Each participating team will be provided with bespoke branded coloured clothing courtesy of DMS Sports.
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