Sussex CCC to have new sponsors in 2010

SCCC Press Release

After a successful period as the main sponsors of Sussex CCC, Brighton-based RDF Group plc (“RDF”) have decided to step aside at the end of the 2009 season. Since 2007, RDF have invested significant sums in supporting the Club at all levels, contributing funding not only to the professional cricket set up, but to the age group squads, championship winning Women’s team, the Academy and community projects.

Sussex CCC is extremely grateful for that support and also appreciate the early decision to give the Club the maximum time to seek alternative funding. The Club is also delighted that this is not the end of the relationship at all, more the start of a new phase, as RDF intend to support local community projects in the region, including a range of new initiatives in cricket.

Speaking on behalf of RDF, David Wood, Chief Executive, said: “In 2007, we took on the sponsorship of Sussex to establish our new Company brand, increase awareness of our business, and to offer us the option to invite our customers to an award winning venue for hospitality.

“Having built a great relationship with the Club over many years, and being part of the family of Sussex cricket since 1999, we feel that by the end of the current season we will have achieved those aims. From 2010, we intend to invest further in local community projects, some of which will involve cricket. We are particularly proud of the RDF Roadshow, which attracted over 20,000 visitors in 2008 and will be repeated in 2009 and we would be keen to expand this concept in the community.

“We are proud to have been part of the Club’s success in 2007 and 2008 and look forward to an exciting final season, with the Club again challenging for honours.”

Jim May, Chairman of Sussex CCC, said: “RDF have been a fantastic sponsor these past two seasons and we will be sorry to see them move on. However, we see this as a new beginning rather than an end and we are very excited about working with them in the future on those community initiatives. I would like to personally thank RDF, and the Directors, Management and Staff for their support – they will always be more than welcome at The County Ground.”

Dave Brooks, Chief Executive at Sussex CCC, said: “As a Club, we are really grateful for the early notice that RDF have given us, as 2010 is a crucial season with the advent of the English Premier League Twenty20 competition. Whilst the economic conditions are not favourable we are confident that we can secure a replacement in good time. We have a range of options open to us from continuing with one headline sponsor to developing a portfolio for different branding opportunities. Before that, we have an equally important 2009 season and the continued support of RDF through this year will definitely help us in our chase for further honours.”