Member Article

New sponsorship deal set to energise Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United’s stadium has reverted back to its original name of Victoria Park, thanks to a new sponsorship deal with North East energy consultancy Utility Alliance.

Launched in February 2015, Utility Alliance has agreed to pump £240k into Hartlepool United over the next three seasons in a deal which will see the firm’s logo emblazoned across the club’s shirts.

Utility Alliance has carved an affinity with North East sport since its formation. After securing corporate links with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough FC last season, the business - which boasts a turnover of over £6m and employs 170 staff - is keen to build its footballing interests further.

Ian Willis, Marketing Manager for Utility Alliance, said: “As a relatively new business, we are keen to raise our profile and the growth of the business inside our first two years of operation means we are in a position to get involved with deals like this.

“This is a real transitional period for the club after relegation from the Football League, but as a Hartlepool business we feel it is important to show support and we hope other local businesses follow suit.

“We have spent lots of time with the club’s new chairman Pam Duxbury, and we know she has some exciting plans to move the club forward.

“During our negotiations we did have the option to take over the naming rights to the stadium, but we were keen from day one that the club’s home should revert back to Victoria Park. “Pam deserves a great deal of credit for agreeing to this, she could have touted the naming rights to the highest bidder as many clubs do but realises the significance of reverting back to The Vic.

“We know how important it is for the town to have a successful football team, and we are looking forward to next season for what will hopefully be a successful campaign which will see the club get back to where it belongs at the first time of asking.”

Duxbury added: “Utility Alliance has proved to be an invaluable source of support to me since I took over the running of the club, and as well as providing our kit sponsorship I am also looking forward to working alongside them as I try to build and maintain relationships with other businesses in Hartlepool.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to our previous sponsors Northern Gas & Power for their understanding of the situation.

“This is a crucial period for Hartlepool United, and I am keen to work alongside a local sponsor to try and guide the club back to the Football League.”