Member Article

SAFC Partnership Scheme Calls Extra Time

A partnership between Sunderland AFC and one of the country’s leading wholesale food suppliers has been so successful that it has now been extended for two further years.

The club last year launched its Business Partnership Scheme, aimed at getting key companies to work with SAFC for their mutual benefit.

Top catering supplier 3663 was the first company to sign up, recognising the advantages of working closely with the football club and the success of the partnership for both organisations has been so great that it has now been extended for a further period.

“This is an excellent example of our partnership scheme in action,” said Gary Hutchinson, SAFC Commercial Director.

“We have consolidated our food supply with 3663 which includes both the stadium itself and our external catering operation, 1879 Events. It is great news that both companies have benefited to such a level that the partnership has now been extended for a further two years.”

3663 supplies an exceptional range of foods, beverages and wines to thousands of clients across the UK, along with planning and designing commercial kitchens to a high level of specification.

Norman Wemyss, Managing Director 3663, said that the partnership had brought great benefits to the company. “As a company we have been able to take advantage of having a close working relationship with a fantastic organisation,” he said.

“We have been able to use the football and concert hospitality for our clients along with using the venue for our own annual client exhibition which meant that we brought several thousand people to the stadium.

“The event was such a success and we had such positive feedback that we are looking to hold it there once again next year.

“We have had absolutely no hesitation in extending this partnership for a further two years and look forward to a continued and fruitful relationship for both sides.”

Organisations which sign up for the Business Partnership Scheme are able to utilise enhanced club assets such as match day hospitality, advertising, branding opportunities, events and training venue hire, along with free attendance at business to business networking events, all of which will boost their brand awareness and market profile in an increasingly challenging economic climate.

“The partnership also gives behind the scenes access at the club, along with priority position on a range of club products and services, in addition to access to key club assets and exclusive events,” said Gary.

“On a commercial level our official business partners receive preferred supplier status and can access the ongoing opportunities and contracts associated with the club, ahead of the competition.”

To find out more about a business partnership with Sunderland AFC, call a member of the team on 0871 911 1243. Existing clients can contact their account manager for details.

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