Host & Stay scores Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday partnerships

A holiday home letting agency is shooting for further success after securing partnerships with two Football League sides.

Host & Stay has signed deals with Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.

The firm, based in Saltburn, east Cleveland, says the agreements involve matchday branding and backing for both clubs’ charity foundations.

The company, which is part of The SDDE Smith Group and operates more than 600 holiday homes, says its partnerships will increase customer awareness while giving back to areas where it operates.

Dale Smith, owner and group chief executive, said: “Football clubs are at the heart of every community, and for most people, it’s one of the longest relationships they will have in their lifetime.

 

Dale Smith, Host & Stay owner, right, with Liam McGuinness, Middlesbrough’s head of partnerships

 

“We’re hoping these partnerships will enable us to get closer to the communities in which we operate through charitable donations, giving our time to volunteer, providing new jobs for local people and developing careers as we grow.”

He added the firm is supporting both clubs’ charity arms – the MFC Foundation and the Sheffield Wednesday Foundation – by giving away matchday tickets to children and families.

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough’s chief commercial officer, said: “There is a huge amount of both personal and professional pride to see the club and Host & Stay working so closely.

“Having known Dale and his family for many years, it is fantastic to see how successful the brand has become.

“When looking for partners to work with as a football club you have criteria that you always try to achieve; we can say wholeheartedly this partnership ticks every one of those boxes and much more.

As part of its partnership with Sheffield Wednesday, Host & Stay has launched a £1000 giveaway to celebrate its new kit launch and donated prizes to the club’s matchday half-time challenge.

 

Sheffield Wednesday players model the club’s new kit, which comes complete with Host & Stay branding

 

It is also gifting 50 tickets for every game to residents in the city’s underprivileged areas.

Liam Dooley, the Owls’ chief operating officer, added: “We are delighted with the partnership with Host & Stay, and from the outset we have seen a fantastic fan reaction.”