Alpari announces five-year title partnership with World Match Racing Tour

Alpari, a global association of companies providing online foreign exchange ("Forex", "FX"), precious metals and CFD trading services, has announced a five-year title partnership with the World Match Racing Tour. The agreement sees the world’s leading professional sailing series become the Alpari World Match Racing Tour from February 2012.

Jim O'Toole, CEO of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour, today joined David Stuart, COO of Alpari in the City of London, to announce the title sponsorship.

To mark the start of the partnership a 3D street art project, recreating a match racing scene of two boats going head to head in a winner-takes-all competition, was revealed in the City. Passing City commuters had their photos taken "on board" one of the boats.

The deal will benefit both parties and is a timely boost to global professional sailing where other properties have struggled commercially against a backdrop of tough economic conditions. As a global sports series with events in North America, Asia and Europe, the multimillion-dollar partnership creating the Alpari World Match Racing Tour will no doubt help Alpari reach out to even more people across the continents and promote online trading to an even wider audience.

Speaking about the partnership, Jim O'Toole, commented: "To be collaborating with such a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation as Alpari is extremely exciting. We know from our research that the World Match Racing Tour's fan base provides the perfect audience for Alpari to engage with and build its customer base. The partnership further underlines the strength of the Tour's commercial proposition and I look forward to working with the Alpari team over the next five years".

David Stuart from Alpari added: "We are very happy to announce our partnership with the World Match Racing Tour. The Tour and Alpari have so much in common and we'll both be strengthening our brands by entering into this partnership. The Tour appeals to an international audience and specifically to people who are ambitious and self-motivated. These are essential attributes of successful traders so Alpari's services should excite them".

The Alpari World Match Racing Tour is currently increasing the number of Tour events to bring match racing and its star names to both traditional and emerging sailing countries. This sponsorship announcement coincides with the unveiling of the 2012 Tour Calendar which now includes a new event, the Chicago Match Cup in the US, to complement the other regattas in Germany, Korea, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Bermuda and Malaysia.

 

24th February, 2012

bet365bingo unveiled as the new sponsor of Emmerdale

ITV Commercial has announced that bet365bingo will be the new sponsor of ITV1's much loved soap, Emmerdale.

The sponsorship package, negotiated by ITV Commercial, Drummond Central and Republic of Media on behalf of bet365bingo, kicks off on 12th March, 2012. The package is bet365bingo's first broadcast sponsorship and will run across Emmerdale content on all ITV channels, as well as the online and mobile sponsorship bumpers on ITV Player.

Emmerdale, produced by ITV Studios, is ITV1's long-running soap opera set in a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. The show was created by Kevin Laffan and was first broadcast in 1972. Emmerdale averaged 7.6 million and a 34.7% share of the audience throughout 2011, and peaked at 9.2 million viewers and a 34.7% share of the audience on 8th December, 2011.

Jason Spencer, Business Development Director, ITV, said: "Emmerdale is one of the most iconic ITV programmes and a highly sought after sponsorship property. It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that bet365bingo will be the new partner of the show for the next twenty-four months.

"As their first foray into TV sponsorship, this is a huge broadcast opportunity that can be exploited across ITV's various platforms, in this momentous year of the soap's fortieth anniversary. The audience and the values of the show very much embody the target market and brand values of bet365bingo and we look forward to an enduring and successful partnership".

The sponsorship idents for the package will be created by Drummond Central.

23rd February, 2012

TfL needs to tighten up approach to sponsorship deals, says Assembly

Transport for London's approach to sponsorship deals – like those for the cable car and Barclays cycle hire scheme – needs to be clearer, more consistent and transparent, says a new report from the London Assembly.

The report, Whose brand is it anyway?, by the Assembly's Budget and Performance Committee, recognises that sponsorship creates an opportunity to bring in extra investment for new transport infrastructure, but highlights the potential ethical and reputational risks to TfL.

The Committee notes that there are signs that TfL now recognises it got it wrong in the past, having strengthened aspects of its sponsorship policy following criticism of its deal with high interest payday loans company Wonga. A lack of transparency has also fuelled public speculation and criticism of sponsorship deals with Barclays and Emirates, it says.

So Londoners can be confident they are getting the best deal in the future, the report calls on TfL to conduct deals in the open and show that it can effectively manage both the benefits and risks of using private sponsorship to fund projects.

John Biggs AM, Budget and Performance Committee Chair, said: "Sponsorship offers a chance to bring in large sums of money for London's transport network, which might make the difference between new infrastructure going ahead or remaining on the drawing board.

"However, so far Transport for London seems to have taken an ad hoc approach to sponsorship, which could expose it to unnecessary risk if a sponsor suffered serious reputational damage. This is something you can't always predict – look at what happened to BP.

"TfL has acknowledged the need for a new single policy on sponsorship but it must also take a more consistent and transparent approach so Londoners can be sure any future deals are in the best interests of the capital".

The report highlights a number of concerns that have been raised about current sponsorship deals:

Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme

  •   TfL rejected bids for the cycle hire scheme that met the independent valuation, raising questions about the quality of information provided at the approval stage and methods used to set a benchmark price.

  •   Questions have been raised over whether TfL secured the best deal with Barclays, especially when it extended the contract to 2018 for £25million. The scheme was already proving to be popular and TfL has not demonstrated why this was better than going back to the open market.

  •   The terms of the contract with Barclays could mean TfL will not receive the full £50 million agreed for the cycle hire scheme.

Cable Car

  •   It is unclear whether TfL's initial expectations for sponsorship income were met and is likely to mean that some of the construction costs will have to be found from TfL’s own budget unless future private income is found.

  •   Awarding station naming rights and the inclusion of the Emirates brand name on the Tube map is at odds with TfL's reasons for not seeking sponsorship for Underground stations. It also has not revealed whether TfL received a premium for allowing the cable car sponsor onto the Tube map.

  •   The actual value of the ten year deal for £36 million is likely to be less because of the effects of inflation.

The Committee says its recommendations are intended to inform TfL's new sponsorship policy before it enters into any further sponsorship arrangements.

The full report is available here (a new window will open).

22nd February, 2012

Virgin Money to sponsor the UK's biggest cycling festival

Virgin Money has announced that, following the acquisition of Northern Rock at the start of this year, it will continue to sponsor the UK’s biggest cycling festival – the Cyclone.

Northern Rock previously enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Cyclone event, and the first ‘Virgin Money Cyclone’ will be held between 28th June and 1st July, 2012.

Paul Lloyd, Marketing Director at Virgin Money said: "Now that Virgin Money and Northern Rock are united as one business, I am delighted to support this fantastic event. Virgin Money is committed to supporting the communities we serve. This event is an excellent showcase for what the North East has to offer and I am proud to have the Virgin Money brand associated with it".

Virgin Money Cyclone event organiser Peter Harrison said: "Northern Rock has supported the event since the very beginning, and I am delighted that this relationship will carry on through Virgin Money. The event has firmly established itself on the cycling calendar and, with the backing of Virgin Money, I am sure that it can continue to go from strength to strength!"

The inaugural Virgin Money Cyclone will feature a new Thursday evening ride. This more relaxed ride is specifically aimed at less experienced riders and young families. Called the Tyne Six Bridges Leisure Ride, it will feature two gentle routes of 9½ and 14½ miles along the banks of the River Tyne. Starting from Newcastle Quayside, the ride will take in the Millennium, Tyne, Swing, High Level, Redheugh and Scotswood bridges. The rides start at 7pm on Thursday, 28th June and cost £6.00 per person.

As in previous years, say the organisers, the weekend will also include the Leazes Criteriums on Friday evening, the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge rides on the Saturday – with a choice of 33, 63 and 104 mile routes – and the Beaumont Trophy Premier Calendar race, featuring professional riders on the Sunday. A new addition to the Sunday programme for this year is the Curlew Cup. Following the success of the Women's National Road Race Championships as part of the Cyclone festival in 2011, the Curlew Cup will be the first ever all ladies race held in the North East, and will form part the women's National Series.

Over £500,000 has been raised for charity through previous Cyclone events. Virgin Money Giving is now the official not-for-profit sponsorship website of the Virgin Money Cyclone, offering fundraising support to Cyclone Challenge riders who raise money for charity. Virgin Money Giving also collects Gift Aid for free, so charities could receive £12.15 in total for every £10.00 a rider is sponsored.*

* Based on donations made by Visa Debit card with Gift Aid reclaimed.

21st February, 2012

Schweppes Abbey Well celebrates British heritage with Olympic Games rebrand

Schweppes Abbey Well is celebrating its status as the Official Water of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a bold and eye-catching new design.

Refreshing the British natural mineral water brand, the new look will be supported in-store, with further activity set to run ahead of the Olympic Games. The new design, say Coca-Cola Great Britain (CCGB) "dials up the quintessentially British heritage of Schweppes Abbey Well, which to this day is taken from a single, naturally protected source in Northumberland. Adding a contemporary new feel, the packaging and POS support will create standout in-store across the brand's range of still as well as sparkling water".

Schweppes Abbey Well will be the only packaged water available at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is predicted to make up around 40% of all Coca-Cola Great Britain (CCGB) products sold during the Olympic Games.

In line with CCGB's commitment to supporting the greenest Olympic Games ever, the rebrand also marks the launch of 25% recycled PET across Schweppes Abbey Well plastic bottles.

Zoe Howorth, Market Activation Director for CCGB comments: "We're excited to be revealing a contemporary new look for Schweppes Abbey Well and celebrating the brand's British roots ahead of the Olympic Games. As the only bottled water available for sale at Olympic and Paralympic venues, we're looking forward to refreshing consumers as they enjoy a busy summer of sport".

21st February, 2012

BT gets London living it up with BT London Live sponsorship

BT, the Mayor of London, The Royal Parks and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have announced that BT is the headline sponsor of BT London Live, a huge celebration of sport, music and other entertainment in Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square this summer as part of the city’s London 2012 celebrations.

BT London Live will be free apart from the Opening and Closing Celebration Concerts at Hyde Park. The celebration, say the organisers, "will give around a million people the opportunity to share in London's electric atmosphere this summer". There will be outdoor screenings of the sporting action, top-flight entertainment every single day of the Olympic Games and the opportunity to 'have a go' at free sport participation zones.

As a result of its sponsorship of London Live, BT customers will have 48-hour priority access for tickets for the special Opening and Closing Celebration Concerts held at Hyde Park on 27th July and 12th August, via www.bt.com/londonlive. The act for the BT London Live Closing Celebration Concert in Hyde Park will be announced today, Tuesday, 21st February, with further acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

Gavin Patterson, CEO, BT Retail, said: "London 2012 will not just be about sport – it's also about people experiencing the amazing atmosphere the Games will bring to the capital. Through BT London Live we'll give close to a million people a fantastic free experience this summer. Priority access is a great way to say thank you to our customers and employees and we're delighted to offer this starting with the Opening and Closing Ceremony Celebration Concerts. Everyone will remember where they were when British gold medals were won – it's great that for many people, those memories will be of BT London Live".

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "We're working with amazing partners to welcome the world to a summer like no other and BT London Live will show the capital at its very best. With live sporting action from the Games and exciting free entertainment there'll be something for tourists and Londoners alike, adding to the unprecedented programme of events we're planning in every part of the city".

Colin Buttery, Acting Chief Executive for The Royal Parks said: "Hyde Park is set to host the largest BT London Live site and The Royal Parks is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from London, the UK and across the world to join in the celebrations. The summer of 2012 is going to be unforgettable and the atmosphere at BT London Live Hyde Park and throughout the capital will be electric. With eleven Olympic and Paralympic Games events taking place across six Royal Parks, including the Triathlon and Marathon Swimming competitions in Hyde Park, The Royal Parks is playing a key role in hosting some very exciting events".

The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: "Just a javelin throw from the Olympic Park itself, BT London Live Victoria Park will give Londoners and visitors alike the chance to be at the heart of the excitement of what promises to be a fabulous seventeen day period to celebrate London 2012. I know people across London and the UK will want to feel part of the greatest Games on earth and with concerts, sporting activities and big screens all on offer at Victoria Park, there will be no shortage of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere. Tower Hamlets is honoured to play host to such a key event in the 2012 cultural and sporting calendar, and a landmark moment in our nation's history".

20th February, 2012

National Express launches sponsorship of London Air Ambulance

National Express Group, a leading bus, coach and rail transport provider, has launched a £25,000 annual sponsorship of London's Air Ambulance.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Charity Director, David Oakley said: "London's Air Ambulance relies heavily upon corporate support and donations from the public to ensure the continued provision of this life-saving service.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with National Express Group and are extremely grateful for the significant contribution they are making".

15th February, 2012

Generate Sponsorship engaged to manage Cancer Research UK's Race For Life experiential

Generate Sponsorship's Events division has been appointed by Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, to produce and manage an experiential campaign for the 2012 Race for Life programme.

The experiential roadshow will be visiting major commercial hubs and shopping centres around the UK, executing 70 activation days to announce the Race for Life events in 2012. The campaign aims to encourage more women to sign up and participate as well as support the fight against cancer.

Additionally, Generate will be managing experiential activity at a number of Race for Life events to drive further participation for the 2013 calendar.

Emma Gilbert, Head of Marketing – Events at Cancer Research UK, said: "I am pleased to announce that we will be working with Generate on this exciting experiential platform for the 2012 Cancer Research UK Race for Life programme. Having successfully assisted us on our sponsorship strategy and acquisition, we hope this will drive forward the success of Race for Life and help Cancer Research UK continue to raise vital funds for our life saving research".

Sam Moqbel, Head of Generate Events, said: "We are delighted to be working with Cancer Research UK on this innovative project. This will be a fantastic opportunity to create engaging touch points for the 2012 Race for Life programme, increasing participation among women across the UK".

14th February, 2012

Dulux steps up its sponsorship of PDC in extended deal

The PDC and Dulux Decorator Centres have announced a partnership which extends the leading decorating specialist's involvement in the sport.

The exclusive deal sees Dulux Decorator Centres become the official painting and decorating partner of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC, with their branding to be included on-set at all PDC major tournaments throughout 2012, including the McCoy's Premier League Darts.

In addition, the Dulux Decorator Centres' branding and logos will be used on all marketing materials and event programmes, as well as being utilised on video adverts shown in arenas during tournaments.

The deal extends Dulux Decorator Centres' involvement in darts, which currently sees them sponsor reigning and two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis (right).

"We're delighted to be working with Dulux Decorator Centres as a partner of the PDC, and thank them for their support at an exciting time for darts", said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn. "Dulux is a brand name which is known worldwide and we hope that, through their partnership with our major tournaments, they enjoy a successful year and continue their growth."

The deal also continues Dulux Decorator Centres' support for sport, which is seen through professional sponsorships and grassroots initiatives such as its Colouring the Community paint donation scheme.

Beverley Whitehead, marketing and communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres, said: "We are really excited to be stepping up our involvement within the darts arena, which has significantly grown in popularity over the last few years. Darts is a sport which attracts a high proportion of our target market, and our increased presence at these high profile events throughout the year will help Dulux Decorator Centres continue to engage with core customers".

14th February, 2012

Wilson extends sponsorship of Davis Cup and Fed Cup

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced that it has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Wilson Racquet Sports as an international partner of Davis Cup and Fed Cup.

Wilson will remain the Official Ball of Davis Cup and Fed Cup for a further five years, starting in 2013 through 2017. The company joined Davis Cup in 2002 as an official partner and manufacturer of the Official Ball of Davis Cup. It currently markets the Wilson Davis Cup Tour ball as the Official Ball of Davis Cup, a premium tennis ball that is ideal for play on all court surfaces.

Wilson went on to become an official partner and manufacturer of the Official Ball of Fed Cup in 2006, since when it has increased its on-site presence and activities at all ties in the ITF's premier team competitions.

In addition to its long-term support of Davis Cup and Fed Cup, Wilson has a strong commitment to grass roots tennis. It is currently the Official Ball of the ITF's junior team competitions at the under 14 and under 16 level; the exclusive supplier of tennis rackets, shoes, clothing and accessories to the ITF Development Coaching Team; and has also supported the ITF Worldwide Coaches Conference.

Davis Cup by BNP Paribas is the largest annual international team competition in sport with 123 nations entered in 2012. The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Davis Cup. International sponsors are HP (Official Technology Sponsor), Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Hugo Boss (Official Men's Fashion Clothing Sponsor), Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) and NH Hoteles (Official Hotel). Wilson Sporting Goods (Official Ball) is an international partner. The 100th Davis Cup Final will take place between 16th and 18th November at the start of the ITF centenary celebrations in 2013.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "Wilson remains an outstanding partner for the ITF, helping in our efforts to develop and promote the game. In particular the company has been a long and loyal sponsor of our premier team competitions, and we are delighted to have its continued support for many years to come".

"The Davis Cup and Fed Cup are iconic tennis institutions, important to the heritage of the sport and to our brand", said Jon Muir, general manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. "These events help to drive the local participation efforts in many countries around the world, and our brand and business efforts have aligned to support this as well. We are pleased to continue this strong partnership and look forward to bringing the energy of the game to all generations of tennis fans".

13th February, 2012

Betdaq expands sponsorship with Jockey Club Racecourses

BETDAQ, the global betting exchange, has agreed an expanded sponsorship deal for 2012 with Jockey Club Racecourses, the largest racecourse group in Britain by courses, fixtures, attendances, prize-money contributions and revenues.

The six-figure deal involves ten of the group's fourteen racecourses and includes a second year of support for midweek Flat racing at Kempton Park. The BETDAQ Wednesday Winner Series at Europe’'s premier all-weather floodlit racetrack lasts for thirty-nine meetings, each featuring four BETDAQ races. It began this month and concludes on Wednesday, 19th December.

Included in the deal is a £5,000 prize for the stable staff of the most successful trainer from the 156 races. Last year’s inaugural winners were Richard Hannon's yard and a presentation was made at the fixture on Wednesday, 8th February.

Aintree's evening fixture in May will be sponsored by BETDAQ, while the betting exchange's support for Haydock Park's Apprentice Series between May and September, won by Ryan Clark in 2011, continues for a second year.

BETDAQ sponsorship banners will also be displayed at seven other tracks belonging to Jockey Club Racecourses – Carlisle, Exeter, Huntingdon, Market Rasen, Nottingham, Warwick and Wincanton.

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "We are delighted to have come to this agreement with a high profile betting exchange in BETDAQ which is demonstrating its continuing commitment to British horse racing. As a Group we can offer major partners the scale they are looking for and we look forward to an ongoing partnership".

BETDAQ's Marketing Director Shane McLaughlin said: "We are very happy to bring all BETDAQ's sponsorship and hospitality activities with Jockey Club Racecourses into a single group-wide deal. The racecourses and facilities under The Jockey Club banner are the perfect arena for us to present our brand and we are delighted to be able to continue to support British horse racing through this deal.

"We are particularly pleased to continue the Kempton Park award to stable staff who are often the unsung heroes and heroines of the horse racing industry, working many unsocial hours looking after the equine stars. Likewise, we are very happy to continue the Apprentice Series at Haydock Park, supporting the jockey stars of tomorrow as they develop their skills".

10th February, 2012

BNY Mellon announced as Boat Race Title Sponsor, in new agreement

The Boat Race Company Ltd. (BRCL) has announced BNY Mellon as the new Title Partner of The Boat Race.

BNY Mellon is a global leader in investment management and investment servicing, with more than 5,600 employees in the UK and 49,000 worldwide. The five year agreement will commence on 1st May, 2012, with the 2013 Race formally titled as The BNY Mellon Boat Race.

10th February, 2012

CONTESA announces enhanced education sponsorship program for AIDS orphans in Zambia

UK-registered charity CONTESA has announced the enhancement of the CONTESA Education Sponsorship Programme, which will sponsor the secondary education of students from Family Futures Community School, Kabwe and Messiah Mission Community School in Lusaka.

These two CONTESA-supported schools take over 1,300 children who would otherwise be unable to afford even the modest charges for government schools because of being orphaned or otherwise vulnerable. Children can attend up to Grade 9 (end of lower secondary level), and at both schools results are excellent due to consistent dedication by pupils and teachers.

The Enhanced Education Programme was created to assist students leaving these schools with grades that qualify them for Upper Secondary level which is only provided by government schools that require fees to be paid for tuition, uniforms and books. This will take them to Grade 12 (A level equivalent).

The Education Sponsorship Programme started modestly with a few students from the two CONTESA supported community schools who graduated from Grade 9 in 2009 and, as qualifying numbers increase, about 60-80 young people a year become eligible.

Kathryn Barron, CONTESA Trustee and Sponsorship coordinator, said: "The aim of the programme is to give these students hope and opportunity for the future and to help regenerate communities. We have already seen success through the programme and our goal is to increase the number of students sponsored through the Education Sponsorship Programme to reach a total of about 200 in the three-year programme".

Careful vetting has been carried out by CONTESA to ensure the students entitled for the sponsorship programme adhere to certain eligibility criteria, including:

  •   Students are to be single or double orphans, or otherwise in vulnerable circumstances, with no means of affording school fees

  •   Students must have completed grade 9 in the CONTESA supported schools (Kabwe Futures Community School or Messiah Mission Community School) with National exam qualifying grades and the attitude and aptitude for further education.

9th February, 2012

Saxo Capital Markets sponsors Round Britain 2012 marathon

Saxo Capital Markets, the specialist in online trading and investment, has announced its sponsorship of Round Britain 2012, the land, sea and air marathon.

Round Britain 2012 is an endurance event taking place from 21st to 30th June - the first time fifty cars, fifty boats and fifty aircraft will compete around Britain simultaneously, over ten legs, head to head in each element.

The event starts and finishes at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

Saxo Capital Markets UK CEO, Torben Kaaber said: "We are thrilled to be a part of RB12. This is a dynamic, challenging event, we look forward to getting involved with the competition, and engaging with competitors, our clients, and spectators across the country.

"I am also pleased to announce that we will be launching the inaugural Saxo Challenge Trophy, where entrants in the land, sea and air elements will join forces to compete as a single team. We wish everyone the best of luck in their preparations for the event and look forward to seeing them on the starting lines in June".

Hugo Ambrose, Director of RB12, said: "Saxo is a leader in the fast paced world of trading and financial markets, and therefore a perfect match for the pace and reach of RB12.

"Our global corporate partner scheme allows us to invest further in the infrastructure of this event. This will benefit both our competitors and the venues, and we're looking forward to entertaining thousands of people around Britain with this truly unique event".

Photo: right to left – back – Conor Ringland, UK Regional Head Saxo Capital Markets; Nicholle De Beer, Marketing Manager Saxo Capital Markets, Karsten Henriksen, Head of Modern Wealth Management UK, Saxo Capital Markets; Hugo Ambrose, Director of RB12; Anneliese Mesilati, Head of Marketing Saxo Capital Markets.

Front – Neil McGrigor, RB12 Chairman.

6th February, 2012

O2 signs four year partnership renewal with the Rugby Football Union

O2 today announced that it has extended its partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

O2 has sponsored the RFU and England Rugby since the game turned professional in 1995, making it one of the longest running sports sponsorships. The new four year partnership will see O2 supporting the senior elite teams and the wider game in England beyond the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The new partnership maintains O2's presence on Senior England, Saxons and Women’s team kit and will also see O2 continue as the exclusive telecommunications provider to the RFU.

The new agreement will also see O2 extending its highly successful Priority offering to rugby fans on O2. Through Priority, customers on O2 will have priority access to tickets for England matches at Twickenham stadium, in addition to other benefits and experiences.

Over the next four years, O2 and the RFU will work in partnership to create an enhanced digital experience for rugby fans, at Twickenham Stadium, at home and across clubs in England. This will include expanding online platforms and further developing initiatives, such as O2 Inside Line, using technology to bring fans closer to the team and the players.

As part of the ongoing partnership O2 will continue its involvement with the RFU's grassroots rugby programmes, building on the success of past campaigns, including O2 Scrum on the Beach and O2 Touch, underlining both O2 and the RFU's commitment to making rugby even more accessible to all.

O2 CEO Ronan Dunne said: "We've been a proud sponsor of England Rugby for over sixteen years and together with the RFU we are committed to building upon our achievements and creating great experiences for customers and fans. Working together with the RFU we will continue to look at how we can use technology to extend the rugby experience beginning with expanding Priority for rugby fans on O2".

RFU Chief Commercial Officer Sophie Goldschmidt said: "We are delighted to be extending our partnership with O2. They have been a long term supporter of rugby at both the grassroots and elite level. O2's commitment to further develop our partnership and deliver even richer and more engaging rugby experiences to fans and players is fantastic. This is aligned with the RFU's goals to further grow the game in innovative ways".

6th February, 2012

John Lewis to sponsor InStyle Best Beauty Buys

Fashion and beauty bible InStyle has secured John Lewis as sponsor of its annual Best Beauty Buys awards, with a cross-platform partnership including the launch of a Best Beauty Buys app.

As well as sponsoring the awards evening, John Lewis will have activity integrated within the Best Beauty Buys supplement and in-store events, on www.instyle.co.uk and within the new Best Beauty Buys app.

The new app for the awards will be free for users and available on all smartphones. As well as presenting the winning products, the app allows users to buy more than fifty of the winning products via the John Lewis website. The app will have updated content throughout the year.

John Lewis is also sponsoring a new award, the John Lewis Beauty Icon Award, voted by more than 1,000 beauty fans on its Facebook page. In addition, Amanda Scott, the store's head of beauty buying, joined the expert judging panel.

Rachel Swift, head of marketing, fashion and beauty at John Lewis said: "We are delighted to be working with InStyle's Best Beauty Buys for the third year running. The awards are the industry gold standard and our association with them has consistently driven beauty sales and helped position John Lewis as the authoritative voice of beauty. In 2012 we are extending the partnership with in-store events and the exciting launch of the Best Beauty Buys app."

Rita Lewis, newly appointed publishing director of InStyle, added: "InStyle's Best Beauty Buys have always been eagerly anticipated by both readers and the beauty industry. With beauty a core pillar of our brand DNA, we are proud to showcase the best beauty products to our readers and users, and for the first time to be encouraging instant purchase".

InStyle's 100 Best Beauty Buys are chosen by a 151-strong panel of industry experts, including celebrity stylists. Winners were revealed at a ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental, London, on 31st January.

The March issue of InStyle, which features the Best Beauty Buys supplement, went on sale from 2nd February.

1st February, 2012

Two City firms join forces to sponsor British Handball in major new deal

International law firm Pinsent Masons and Collins Stewart Wealth Management have joined forces to announce a major new sponsorship deal with the British Handball Association which will run throughout 2012.

Collins Stewart Wealth Management and Pinsent Masons have become Official Partners to British Handball, and both the Great Britain (GB) men's and women's handball teams will carry the Collins Stewart Wealth Management and Pinsent Masons logos on their shirts in all competitions and training matches in the build-up to the Olympics.

Since London was awarded the 2012 Olympic Games in 2005, British Handball has been focussed on building two teams to mount a competitive challenge to the handball competition which will be played at the specially created handball arena at the Olympic Park.