SEAT teams up with Premier League club Fulham FC

Underlining its continuing commitment to support British and European football, SEAT has today announced its appointment as official car supplier to Premier League club Fulham.

The two year deal will see SEAT supply the West London side with a number of vehicles for their use.

A variety of new SEAT models feature in the deal, including the Exeo saloon, the Exeo ST and the new seven-seat SEAT Alhambra MPV (see below).

SEAT is an increasingly well-known name in football circles, thanks to a host of UK and European sponsorships, most notably its three-year UEFA Europa League agreement which sees the Spanish brand grab the limelight as presenting sponsor of the pan-European tournament.

Here in the UK, SEAT has been associated with a number of Premier League sides. This year has also seen the staging of the inaugural SEAT Fives tournament, which put amateur teams to the test in the quest for the grand prize of a "money can't buy" VIP trip to Hamburg for the UEFA Europa League Final which took place in May.

The latest deal, with London's oldest top-flight side, sees SEAT link up with a club that can trace its roots back more than 130 years.

Led by charismatic chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, the club has a history of big name players, too. Johnny Haynes, George Cohen, Jimmy Hill, Bobby Robson and George Best are just a few of the legends to have donned the black and white shirt over the decades.

Welcoming the opportunity to forge a new association with Fulham FC, SEAT UK's Head of Marketing Steve Robertson said: "This deal fits perfectly with our ongoing mission to develop strong and consistent links with football teams, and their fans.

"We all admired Fulham's exceptional success in the SEAT-sponsored Europa League last season, and I very much hope we'll be seeing more great performances from the Whites as this season progresses".

Fulham Football Club Chief Executive, Alistair Mackintosh, was equally upbeat about the deal: "I am delighted to welcome SEAT as Fulham's official car partner.

"The club has made significant strides since reaching the Europa League final last May which include an associate membership of the esteemed European Club Association. Our partnership with SEAT, a very well-respected European brand, will assist in maintaining Fulham's presence as an established Premier League Club, with European ambitions, to international markets".

"Our vision to excite and inspire customers is represented by Manchester United's success on the pitch and the unique printer and projector technologies for which Epson is renowned".

Epson expects the agreement to allow the brand to get closer to its customers and their passions. Epson believes in giving something back to the communities in which it operates and there are strong synergies with Manchester United, which also has a strong community spirit and is well-known for its local community programmes.

Manchester United's chief executive David Gill said: "We are obviously delighted to have Epson as one of our commercial partners with immediate effect and are looking forward to developing an exciting communications programme that helps us both achieve our business goals. Epson is a superb global brand, that sits perfectly alongside our existing partners".

The agreement will be announced to fans at half time during the game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, 27th November (ie tomorrow).

Marc Bennett, Managing Director of Thomson Sport Europe, said: "We are proud to have been awarded the NFL UK sponsorship and are excited at the opportunity to help make this sport more accessible to European fans. We will use our unrivalled knowledge and experience in many different sports to provide the NFL and fans with exceptional service".

Marc Armstrong, Commercial Director of NFL UK, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Thomson Sport as we further expand our portfolio of UK sponsors and we look forward to working closely with them in numerous areas over the next three seasons. Thomson Sport's experience across multiple sports will enable them to provide a valuable service to our fans in the UK and Europe".

Thomson Sport is also Official UK Travel Agency Partner, Official Team Travel Supplier and Official Supporters' Travel Supplier of Arsenal Football Club and an Official Travel Partner of the Scottish Football Association and Scotland Supporters' Club.

Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone, also in Bangkok said: "We are delighted to be signing a new three-year extension deal with Chang. We consider Chang to be very much a part of the extended Everton family.

"We are proud of what we have achieved in our time together and to have contributed to the development of young Thai footballers and the coaching infrastructure. Thai Bev has harnessed the years of accumulated expertise in our Academy and used it to deliver their own agenda on the ground in Thailand".

He added: "Chang have always been very supportive of Everton since we first signed with them in 2004 and have been extremely proactive in driving the partnership forward, helping Everton grow internationally, whilst we have assisted in supporting Chang in key markets around the world.

"We understand that in the modern sports sponsorship market it is vital to generate as much value as possible and together we believe that the Everton/Chang relationship will continue to provide a significant payback on the investment. We are extremely excited about the new contract and look forward to working with our Thai colleagues to further develop the relationship".

Charlie Jitcharoongphorn, Deputy Managing Director, Thai Beverage Marketing Co. Ltd, said: "Chang has been a major sponsor of Everton for seven consecutive seasons. Over the course of these seven years, our partnership has been nothing short of truly fulfilling and rewarding.

"The Chang logo on the shirts of Everton players has successfully launched the brand into international fame and the partnership enables us to contribute to the development of Thai footballers in many ways.

"So, we have decided to extend our sponsorship contract with them for the fourth time, which will run well into 2014".

As part of the trip, the Everton delegation will visit the Thai Bev Academy and meet with a group of Thai Everton supporters to celebrate the Blues' growing fan base in Thailand.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Land Rover to the Rugby World Cup family. This long-term partnership with an internationally recognisable brand further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of Rugby World Cup in the global market place.

"Land Rover is a true champion of rugby from community to elite level and we look forward to working closely with Land Rover to promote rugby around the world across two tournaments that will position rugby in new markets around the world, reaching out to new communities and audiences".

John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover, added: "Today's announcement marks a significant development in the partnership between Land Rover and rugby. The company is proud of its ongoing support of the sport from a grassroots level to the elite game and it is fitting that the world's finest all-terrain vehicles - sold in over 160 markets worldwide - are now supporting the world's ultimate rugby competition".

"The International Olympic Committee's decision to include Rugby in the Olympic Games from 2016 will have a hugely significant impact on the growth of the sport in emerging rugby markets such as America, China and Asia. This global growth is also shown by the IRB's decisions to host RWC Sevens 2013 in Russia and RWC 2019 in Japan".

"It is exciting to be involved with the RWC and extend our partnership with rugby in such an exciting period. The RWC 2011 and RWC 2015 deal offers Land Rover a fantastic opportunity to further engage with our customers and general sports fans across the globe".

Commenting on Worldwide Partner status for RWC 2015 Edwards said: "We are also delighted to be confirmed as an Official Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2015. Land Rover has been a long term investor in the development of the sport in the UK, so we are extremely excited to be furthering our association to the very highest level when the tournament returns to England".

The announcement of Land Rover as an Official Sponsor further enhances the multi-national flavour of commercial partners for Rugby World Cup 2011. The inventory comprises: Emirates Airline, MasterCard, Heineken, ANZ and DHL as Rugby World Cup 2011 Worldwide Partners; Brancott Estate, Toshiba and Land Rover as Official Sponsors; Licensing in Motion and RTH as Master Licencees; Canterbury as Official Sportswear Supplier; Gilbert Rugby as the Official Ball Supplier; Coca-Cola as Official Soft Drinks Supplier; Russell McVeagh as Official Law Firm and KPMG as Official Tournament Supplier of accounting and tax advisory services.

Be it sponsoring national Road Safety Week this month (it runs from 22nd-28th November), supplying accident recording equipment to ambulance services or training fleet managers and drivers on how to maximise the viewing scope on their mirrors, QBE prides itself in taking an active role in making our roads safer.

Doug Jenkins, Motor Risk Manager at QBE, says: "Being an insurer we have an obvious interest in keeping accidents to a minimum. As responsible individuals, we have a stronger interest in making sure that our streets are safe, for drivers and pedestrians alike.

"That is why QBE sponsors national Road Safety Week and that is why QBE is heavily involved in advising our customers, fleet managers and the general public on how road safety can be improved.

"This can be through simple changes, such as reducing speed in urban areas, to the sophisticated use of video recording equipment in ambulances".

Oxford, under new coach, Murray Henderson, will be led by twenty-seven year old doctor Nick Haydon, who hails from Sydney, Australia. A member of last year's Oxford team he is keen to put the memory of that painful defeat behind him. Commenting on the match, Haydon said: "The buzz around the club is slowly intensifying as December 9th draws closer. Come kick-off at Twickenham, this squad will be in the best condition of any team in our history. We are determined to bring home the trophy".

Having won the match in 2009, the University of Cambridge is currently in the lead with 61 victories to Oxford's 53. 14 matches have ended in a draw.

Tickets for the 2010 Nomura Varsity Match at Twickenham start at £20.00 (£10.00 for students with a valid NUS card) and can be obtained by calling Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2492.

"This will be a wonderful showcase for emerging darting talent from around the world, with countries such as Russia, Japan, Spain and New Zealand challenging some of the most established players in darts, like Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and John Part".

Cash Converters is the UK's number one retailer of pre-owned goods and a financial services provider, with over 170 stores across the country and over 500 stores worldwide.

Chief executive of Cash Converters UK, David Patrick, said: "Cash Converters is delighted to be title sponsor of the PDC World Cup of Darts.

"We recognise that the grassroots popularity of darts is a perfect fit for our brand and we are pleased to invest in this prestigious event as the sport continues to grow and welcome new fans".

Gray-Nicolls has been appointed to supply ASDA Kwik Cricket sets including bats, balls and stumps, which will feature the distinctive blue colour, with bats made in three sizes to accommodate all ages and heights. Coaches' sets, instructions, award certificates and badges are also available.

Inter Cricket sets will also be supplied by Gray-Nicolls which will include bats, balls, stumps and basic protective equipment. All equipment will be available via a website and direct mail or phone order, as well as relevant retailers, wholesalers and distributors from February 2011.

Paul Bedford, ECB head of non-first class cricket, said: “ECB are delighted to confirm a new deal with Gray-Nicolls to supply equipment for the ASDA Kwik Cricket and Inter Cricket programmes.

"These programmes are fundamental elements in ECB strategy for ‘enthusing participation’ and ECB look forward to working with Gray-Nicolls to ensure all of our schools and clubs have excellent equipment available".

John Perera, ECB commercial director, said: "Gray-Nicolls has a long history of involvement with cricket and has sponsored many cricket players over the years, from junior levels all the way through to England careers – including current England Test captain Andrew Strauss. We welcome them on board as supplier of the development competitions equipment and look forward to an equally successful partnership".

Richard Gray, sales and marketing director at Gray-Nicolls, was equally enthused: "Everyone at Gray-Nicolls is proud to have been awarded the contract by the ECB to supply the development competitions equipment.

"We are keen to support the development of junior cricket wherever we can to help ensure the game continues to prosper and grow and Kwik Cricket, in particular, represents an important first taste of the sport for many children around the country.

"We have worked closely with the ECB to introduce some exciting new developments and we have more in the pipeline that we are confident will enhance what is already a very popular format of the game".

This is the latest in a range of partnerships brandmeetsbrand has developed for the X-Leisure Group, having previously delivered long-term agreements with, among others, Coca-Cola, Eurosport, Relentless, AA Travel Insurance and Walls.

PY Gerbeau, the CEO of X-Leisure, declared himself a happy client: "Karen had the vision and the talent to transform our commercial approach to ancillary income and sponsorship. She proactively and autonomously implemented this vision and over delivered above our expectations. She is committed and dedicated to the task of helping to grow all our businesses".

brandmeetsbrand was set up by Director Karen Morris in 2003. Since then it has gone on to help media owners, charities, venue operators, event organisers and governing bodies to develop commercial strategies which deliver long-term partnerships.

Martin South, CEO Marsh UK, said: "We are delighted to strengthen further our excellent relationship with the RFU in this way. We particularly welcome the opportunity to support these key programmes for grassroots rugby and its 2,000 plus member clubs. We look forward to a highly successful association with the RFU to the benefit of rugby in the community".

Joe Grogan, CEO of Marsh's National Corporate Practice, said: "We see this sponsorship as being not just good news for the RFU and Marsh; it is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved in rugby at the community level to access information, products and services which are tailored to improve the health and wellbeing of clubs, players, officials and many others connected with community rugby".

Andrew Scoular, RFU Director of Community Rugby, said: "This partnership with Marsh is excellent news for community rugby in England. Combining in this way with a global leader in providing insurance services and risk management will be tremendously beneficial in supporting a cross-section of our medical, volunteering and coaching programmes. It will also create other opportunities for Community Rugby and our clubs, which are at the heart of rugby in England. We look forward to working with Marsh and building on their long-established association with our sport".

Nissan, a founding partner of The O2, will be using a combination of Qashqai, Murano, X-TRAIL, Navara, Pathfinder and LEAF vehicles to manage player transportation during the tournament.

"We are happy to welcome Nissan as the official car supplier of the 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Transportation services are a critical part of every ATP World Tour tournament and as a founding partner of the venue, Nissan is familiar with handling world-class events at The O2. We look forward to a successful partnership", said , Tournament Director, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling have already qualified for the tournament. Three singles places remain up for grabs as the likes of Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer battle for the last remaining spots at the season-ending event.

These private sector initiatives, says the DfB press release, join the support already available from government, including the Competefor.com website, linking registered companies with Olympic contracts.

UK Trade and Investment can also help those companies that have secured contracts at the games. Through the UKTI Host2Host programme, companies can access the supply opportunities of other major global events maximising their 2012 credentials as part of the legacy of the Games. Beyond 2012 there are contracts at the Sochi and Rio Games worth up to $60 billion.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "The London Games are generating billions of pounds worth of contracts throughout the supply chain, securing new business for firms and powering their growth for the long term. This is an opportunity that no company can afford to miss out on.

"I am delighted that these three sponsors of the Games are joining with government to support businesses as they prepare for 2012. There is a lot that businesses can learn from one another and I hope today's event is just the first of many, where the companies of all sizes can come together to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists in the business community".

LOCOG Procurement Director Gerry Walsh also spoke at the event. He emphasised that there are still huge opportunities for companies that have not yet secured an Olympic contract, with significant LOCOG contracts still to be awarded and the prospect to work on the torch relay.

He added: "There are many contract opportunities still to be won – and these contracts will be awarded to companies of all sizes, from multi-nationals to SMEs. Our priority when awarding contracts is value for money – and total commitment to London 2012".

The Olympic Sponsors' Summit took place at the BIS Conference Centre in Westminster. It was attended by nearly 200 delegates from SMEs throughout the UK.

David Kinross continued: "Mike McMillan has been a real driving force in the expansion of the Exchange Communications business and we look forward to benefiting from his experience and enthusiasm. We will continue to add to our advisory team with people who have specific skills and experiences to help us achieve our goals".

A spokesperson for Exchange Communications added: "Whitburn Band is a leader in its field, having performed at many high-profile events across the UK and Europe. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of its members it has successfully represented Scotland on an international scale and has been ranked among the finest in Scotland for many years.

"Exchange Communications is also a leader in its sector and we are pleased to be able to support another organisation that shares our values and constantly strives to be the best. Through this partnership we hope to build on the band's success and work with the team as it grows. As a Scottish company, we are proud to be associated with a group that has such a rich history and promising future".

Fans can cast their votes by clicking onto the npower website, texting, filling in postcards at their local Football League club, at one of npower’s touring event stands in the local area or by logging onto their club's official website.

Volker Beckers, RWE npower's CEO, said: "This scheme is all about giving power to the fans. As a new sponsor, we didn't want to come in with a "one size fits all" approach. Instead, we're asking the communities around each club to vote and tell us which option suits them best".

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League, said: "Football League clubs are an integral part of their local communities, demonstrating that football has the power to make a difference to peoples' lives. Whichever project each community votes for - be it Respect workshops, football training or the improvement of local playgrounds – our clubs will be actively engaging with local children to encourage them to get involved in football".

"The UK Championship will be broadcast to hundreds of millions of fans on BBC, Eurosport, CCTV in China and across the globe, so it's obvious why our product is attractive to sponsors. We're thrilled to welcome 12BET.com on board for the UK and we look forward to continuing to build a close relationship with their team".

Rory Anderson, Chief Executive for Europe at 12BET.com, added: "We are looking forward to the event and the global exposure it will generate for the 12BET.com brand".

The UK Championship is one of snooker's most historic and celebrated events, a regular fixture on the calendar since 1977 with most of the sport's greatest names inscribed on the trophy.

Competing for the £625,000 prize fund this year will be the likes of Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, 12BET.com World Open champion Neil Robertson and defending champion Ding Junhui.

Simon Hetherington, Marketing Director, Kia Motors (UK) Limited, said: "We're passionate about football at Kia and are delighted to sponsor coverage of the oldest and most prolific domestic football competition in the world. Kia has seen tremendous growth in recent years and this partnership is another great way for our brand to reach even more people".

Gary Knight, Brand Partnerships Director at ITV, said: "ITV is proud to be the home of live free-to-air football and The FA Cup is an integral part of that offering. We're really excited to have Kia Motors on board, across all of ITV's platforms, for what promises to be yet another great season for the world's most famous domestic football competition".

The activity will include broadcast sponsorship on ITV1, ITV1 HD, ITV4, online sponsorship at ITV.com and sponsorship across ITV's interactive and mobile platforms.