Member Article

Taylors of Harrogate unveiled as "Official Supporter" of the Grand Depart

Yorkshire-based Taylors of Harrogate has pledged its support for the Grand Dèpart by being named as the ‘Official Brew’ partner of the world’s largest annual sporting event.

The family-owned company will showcase its famous Yorkshire Tea brand to a global audience of more than three billion spectators during the first three stages of the Tour de France 2014, with the first two stages taking place in its Yorkshire heartland.

As part of the sponsorship, an eye-catching Yorkshire Tea publicity caravan will take part in the event’s high profile parade with volunteers handing out thousands of samples to spectators.

Kevin Sinfield, Taylors Tea marketing manager, said: “As with the rest of the region, we’re very excited about the Grand Dèpart coming to Yorkshire and look forward to welcoming riders and spectators alike to the home of Yorkshire Tea.

“When we learnt that Welcome to Yorkshire had been successful in securing this high profile event for the region, we knew that we had to be involved.

“Taylors of Harrogate is one of Yorkshire’s most famous family-owned businesses and the Grand Dèpart provides us with a great opportunity to show our support for the county.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “It is great to announce this partnership today, a UK first for the Grand Départ.

“The Tour de France will shine a global spotlight on the whole of Yorkshire providing the perfect platform for Taylors of Harrogate to showcase their iconic Yorkshire Tea brand to a global audience.

“We are delighted to be working with them on this unique initiative and maximising the benefits for Taylors of Harrogate and Yorkshire.”

Welcome to Yorkshire led the winning bid to bring the Grand Départ to the county. The Grand Départ of the Tour de France takes place in Yorkshire on the weekend of July 5 and 6.

The first stage races from Leeds to Harrogate via the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the second stage races from York to Sheffield via Pennine Yorkshire and the Peak District National Park.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .