Stockport County is pleased to announce an extended deal with Pioneer Group for the naming rights and roof sponsorship of the Cheadle End.
Pioneer Group is a national company with their head office at S-Park just off the M60 in Stockport town centre, and the new sponsorship deal takes the partnership with the club through to 2021.
The Pioneer brand features prominently across the front and on the roof of the Pioneer Group Cheadle End and is clearly visible to aircraft using Manchester International Airport. Last season the company’s logo also appeared for the first time on County’s away shirt.
County Commercial Manager Simon Dawson said: “This additional commitment from the Pioneer team is a great vote of confidence in Stockport County and takes us right through to 2021. It is a significant deal for the borough of Stockport, as we have cemented a long-term relationship with a national company based right here in the town centre. We’re also delighted to have Pioneer as Stockport County’s official Technology Partner.”
Pioneer Group Director Chris Appleyard said: “We’ve been delighted to work with Stockport County during 2017/18 and it makes sense to renew that three-year partnership and extend it to 2021.
“We know the club is on the rise, both on and off the pitch, and we’re proud to be part of that journey. We’ve also been amazed at the number of comments from people who’ve seen our branding as they fly into Manchester Airport.”
Digital innovation company Pioneer Group has unique expertise in IT, AV and Electrical projects, delivering large scale projects from wi-fi networks to digital signage roll-outs and networking solutions for corporate and home environments. The team works in a number of sectors from providing displays for KFC and meeting room solutions for corporate businesses and SMEs through to stadium-wide infrastructure for connected arenas. The business also works alongside house builders to offer home entertainment solutions which are second to none.
Stockport County Chairman Richard Park said: “Pioneer made a real statement of intent when they put their logo on the roof of the Pioneer Group Cheadle End and we are proud to be partnering with them on an extended basis. The Pioneer deal is one of the biggest sponsorship agreements during my time on the Board of the football club and it once again demonstrates the confidence that people have in the club’s growth.”
Chris added: “The most important thing has been the reaction of the fans – the Cheadle End has an iconic place in their hearts and we wanted to respect that during our association. We’re really proud to have our branding on the Pioneer Group Cheadle End and all the history associated with it, but the feedback from fans has been really positive so extending our deal was a no-brainer.”
On the process of creating the sign Commercial Manager, Simon Dawson, added “This has been a bigger undertaking than we first imagined and we are really pleased to have got it over the finishing line. It has been a real team effort and I would like to thank Pioneer for their patience and then increased commitment to a longer term deal. I should also thank Mike O’Brien and Ralph Burgess for the help in getting us onto the roof as the time they committed has been immense.”
“The weather has been a major complication and so we have to extend enormous gratitude to our sign writer Damian Whyatt, who has brought not only tremendous skill and professionalism to the table, but flexibility and a great understanding of the budget constraints we have been under. It was a pleasure to have worked with him to achieve a great result, that has already had lots of positive feedback.
“Finally, to Gordon McKeating and the lads at Safety at Height Limited of Marple. Their help in providing equipment and training helped us get the project off the ground, so to speak. Their expertise and generosity is much appreciated.”
