Sewell Group is putting its name to Hull KR’s stadium.
The city-based business has taken the rights for Craven Park, with the construction and retail group excited by the partnership that is “cementing its place at the heart of the East Hull community”.
The undisclosed deal will see the stadium known as Sewell Group Craven Park in what is seen as a "long term commitment" with an initial two-year agreement.
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Chair Paul Sewell OBE said: “We see this partnership as another great way of giving back to the community which we’ve been part of since 1876. We know the fantastic work Hull KR do in the local area to support and improve the health and wellbeing of the community, through the fantastic schemes they run. We’re delighted to be able to support this, and the club, in their journey on the eve of their 140th anniversary.
“The heart of our business strategy has always been to deliver value for the communities we serve, creating opportunities for people, supporting communities, charity groups and pioneering initiatives to support people who need it. This partnership will allow us to continue to do so, alongside the many other initiatives we support across the region.”
Sewell Group is a multi-disciplined group of companies operating across the North of England, made up of estates businesses Sewell Construction, Sewell Investments, Sewell Facilities Management, Illingworth & Gregory, Shared Agenda, Parallel and Community Ventures alongside its 13 Sewell-on-the-Go convenience stores and forecourts.
The past year has seen the employer of 460 honoured with a Queen's Award for Enterprise.
Mr Sewell added: "As we grow across the North of England it is nice to recognise the community in East Hull. When it came available it was something that felt like the right thing to do. We have done so much with schools, with healthcare, and when you go as far back as us and Rovers it is so much more than a corporate sponsorship deal. It is two East Hull organisations with the same values working together."
Sewell staff have already been given an eye-opening introduction to the Super League club by its chief executive Paul Lakin, with Mr Sewell to reciprocate.
Mr Lakin said: "We are delighted to welcome the Sewell Group as our stadium naming rights partner. They are one of Hull’s biggest employers with an outstanding reputation, having been named in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for in the UK.
“This partnership holds true to their East Hull roots whilst delivering brand exposure throughout the North of England where they have several offices, and we are very grateful to Paul and the Sewell Group directors for their support.
“We also look forward to supporting and enhancing the work Sewell Group do in the local community, whilst providing a platform for their Sewell on the go brand within the stadium bowl to promote their 13 convenience stores across the region.”
It comes after fellow Hull business MKM took on the rights for what was the KC Stadium, having been built from the proceeds of the flotation of KCom and subsequently backed by the regional telecoms giant.
As part of Humber Business Week in 2021 Mr Sewell hosted both Hull FC and Hull KR chairs Adam Pearson and Neil Hudgell in a chat-show format event.
Hull College has confirmed a three year deal drawn up in 2019 has been withdrawn from. It will continue to support the club in what it described as “more community-based projects and work”.
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