07 Nov Essex-based demolition company celebrate tied to local community through football sponsorship
Downwell Group have demonstrated their commitment to the Essex region by becoming London Stadium Business Club. The demolition group see their company branding broadcast at the 60,000-capacity stadium throughout every West Ham United home match, potentially reaching an international audience via TV broadcasts.
The business was formed by Managing Director Matt Phillips in 2003, with Downwell Group consisting of several related companies, also owned by Phillips, such as Inner-city Environmental and Land Remediation.
Predominantly working within London and the South East, Downwell have built a significant client list, having worked to create a unique brand. Marketing and Bid Manager, Alan Knight, explained how the business has utilised social media to set themselves apart from their competitors:
“We try and be active on social media, in order to build a brand. Our headquarters are quite different to many other demolition companies: it’s all quite smart, clean and everything is washed down regularly. Our MD also likes to invest in the latest technology. We’ve just bought one of the largest high-reach excavators in the country and that’s quite major for us as a marketing tool.
“We also hold a big 5-a-side tournament, which we call the Surveyors’ Cup. 300 surveyors from within the industry all take part and it helps to raise our profile. Before that the company relied on referrals and people we knew within the industry because it’s quite a tight-knit community.”
The London Stadium Business Club is formed through a partnership between Eleven Sports Media and the Football Club. As a Business Club partner, Downwell Group see their company branding appear on a large Led screen at the front of Stadium, as well as being displayed on pitch-facing, mid-tier boards, maximizing matchday brand exposure.
Downwell Group are also invited to exclusive network events, which have included Q&A evenings with Sir Trevor Brooking, that allow Business Club partners to meet like-minded companies, helping to enhance business contacts within the local community. Additionally, the business is provided with a selection of matchday hospitality tickets at the London Stadium, throughout the season.
The demolition company participate in property exhibitions and events, such as London Build and the Cannes-based MIPIM. Helping to raise brand awareness, Alan Knight explained how the association with the London Stadium has benefitted Downwell Group:
“We have West Ham fans within the business and that helped us make the decision to join the London Stadium Business Club, but everyone is equally as enthusiastic about being associated with the Football Club. Every time there’s a match on we promote our association with the London Stadium.
“People going to the game might not see our branding live, but if we promote the connection ourselves then people start looking out for us. We’ve had loads of people mention it, loads of people within construction go to West Ham games,” Knight continued.
“It’s amazing the attention we get just by posting about the Business Club. A picture of us on the big screen or a video clip all get huge responses and going forward we’ll be aiming to keep making the most of it.”
