Window of opportunity for Britelite

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Window and conservatory firm Britelite has kicked off a £40,000 shirt sponsorship deal with Maidstone United.

The Maidstone-based firm, which still uses former England Test cricketer and Get Me out of Here celebrity Phil Tufnell, is uniting football and cricket in its marketing campaign.

The two-year deal comes just 12 months before the Stones' expected return to the county town in August 2012.

Britelite is the South East's largest independent supplier of windows, doors and conservatories and has had links with the club since the 1980s.

The new partnership, worth £40,000 over the next two seasons, was signed by Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams and Britelite chairman John Baxter.

The Britelite logo will appear on the club's first team shirts during their final season groundsharing at Sittingbourne, and the first season at the new £1.6million ground at James Whatman Way.

Mr Baxter, co-founder of Britelite in 1970, said: "We're delighted to be main sponsor for Maidstone at a particularly exciting time in the club's development.

"We've been passionate supporters of the club's campaign to 'come home' to Maidstone.

"It's where they belong, and where we have been so successful for many years."

Mr Williams added: "John Baxter and his fellow directors have been a friend of Maidstone United over many years and I am pleased that they will be a part of our return to the county town.

"The backing of Britelite is significant as it sends out an important message to the local business community.

"Our homecoming will put the town on the map and there will be plenty of opportunities for companies and organisations to raise their profile by getting involved with the club, the first team or one of our 25-plus community teams."

The first team kit is supplied by Europa Sports, based in Aylesford, in a two-year official and leisurewear supplier deal .