Glasgow-based [b]Stewart Asset Management Group[/b] (“SAM-G”) and the [b]Verve[/b] auto dealership will become joint title sponsors of the “SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks”. Both sponsors will take prominent positions on the Rocks home and away vests and be incorporated into the team logo.
[i]“These two new partnerships are very exciting for us,” said Rocks General Manager Bruce Cook. “Both SAMG and Verve are taking a real interest in assuring that the Rocks continue to progress both on and off the court. They’ve come in at an important time and we truly appreciate their commitment.”
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As part of their deal, Verve will be supplying the Rocks with seven branded vehicles that will be easily recognisable around Glasgow as they sport the Rocks flaming basketball logo. The question many are asking is:
[b]“Will a 6’ 7” basketball player fit inside a VW Beetle?”[/b]
While the surprising answer is “yes”, Verve Managing Director Charles Adair points out that they have a full range of VW, Hyundai, Suzuki & SsangYong models available for last season’s BBL Playoff finalists to choose from. “I’m sure the boys will be very comfortable in their new vehicles, and we’re proud to be providing them.”
Adair added, “Verve are delighted to be involved in the sponsorship of the Rocks, it is a fantastic opportunity to work with a team that has great ambition and drive to win; not to mention their energy and enthusiasm to be the best; something that they have in common with ourselves as Verve’s vision is to deliver “best in class customer experience” and to be the number one car and van dealer in Scotland.
[i]“Verve wish the Scottish Rocks the very best for this season and know that they will do us proud. Go Rocks!”[/i]
[b]How the deal was done…[/b]
The SAMG-Verve-Rocks agreement is a true partnership of passion and belief. SAMG CEO Brian Stewart took a courtside seat for many of the Rocks nail-biting victories last season and quickly became a loyal fan. It was this new-found passion for the Rocks that led to the SAMG sponsorship, and Stewart was eager to share his excitement with Adair at Verve, a SAMG group pension client. Adair quickly saw the opportunity for strong brand exposure in a family friendly environment and the second half of the deal was soon inked.
"We are really pleased to be sponsoring the Scottish Rocks," said Brian Stewart, Chief Executive of Stewart Asset Management Group (SAMG), Scotland's fastest-growing firm of independent financial advisers. "We love the spirit of the team.
"Their drive and determination to win has a lot in common with the kind of entrepreneurial clients whose assets we manage. Besides, a live basketball event with 1,500 people shouting and cheering is a fantastic experience and a brilliant atmosphere, especially in Scotland."
[b]Rocks new player/coach, Sterling Davis[/b], commented on the new sponsorships:
[i]“I’ll be proud to wear the SAMG and Verve logos on my uniform this year because they’re the one’s that make it all possible. Without their support it would be hard to put a competitive team on the court. Now we have a real chance to put together a strong squad and compete for the championship again. I can’t thank them enough.”[/i]
[b]Notes:[/b]
* Photos and further comments available on request.
* The SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks are Scotland’s only professional basketball team. They compete in the British Basketball League – Britain’s top professional league.
* The Rocks were BBL Playoff champions in 2003 and have been finalists each of the past 2 seasons. The Rocks were also BBL Cup finalists last season (2006/07).
* The Rocks open their 2007/08 BBL campaign on the road in Sheffield on Friday 21st September. They will play their first of 22 home matches at Braehead Arena on Sunday 30th September. Tip off is at 5:00pm.
* For Rocks tickets and info, visit www.scottishrocks.co.uk
* For more BBL info, visit www.bbl.org.uk
* SAMG (www.samgplc.com) : With offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Guernsey, Stewart Asset Management Group (SAMG) is one of the largest and fastest-growing firms of independent financial advisers in Scotland with funds under management of £500m. They are specialists in wealth, investment and tax management, whose motto is "Wealth is just the beginning" - in other words, it is not enough to become wealthy, you have to know how to protect your wealth and make best use of it.
* Verve: (www.verve.net) Founded in December 1998 by Charles Adair; Verve brings a new approach to car and van retailing. Verve has entered a new age of car retailing with a motivated, enthusiastic, spirited focused approach. Verve is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfil and then exceed the expectations of its customers.
Today Verve operates from the state of the art premises in three different locations – Dalmarnock Rd Glasgow, Wishaw and Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, with us offering four different franchises – Volkswagen, Suzuki, Hyundai and SsangYong. But Verve is constantly looking towards the future and this year we have also expanded into Dumfries with the purchase of Bradfords and also into Carlisle with the purchase of Harper & Hebson. We look to continually grow and develop.
With now over 280 people working within the Verve Group and a collective turnover of £80m annually from our passenger car business, van centre, servicing, parts and paint and bodyshop.
‘Best in class’ – our stated vision – we believe in our vision and we commit to it.
[b]Contacts:[/b]
Bruce Cook
General Manager
SAMG Verve Scottish Rocks
T: 0141 886 2383
M: 07736 701 470
E: bruce@scottishrocks.co.uk
Francis Shennon (for SAMG)
T: 0141 579 5040
E: info@francisshennan.com
Kirsteen Scott (for Verve)
T: 0141 647 0511
E: marketing@verveltd.com
Posted on 21 August, 2007
