Vertu is proud to partner with Sunderland AFC, a footballing giant located in the North East of England.
Formed in 1879, the team is a six-time winner of the league title and currently resides in the EFL Championship; the second tier of the professional game in England. It's a winning partnership between a historic Club and a historic automotive brand. You could say it's a perfect match...
Sunderland AFC has a rich history packed with highs and lows, including six English league titles. The club has twice been the most successful club in England in terms of league wins, and only six other clubs have surpassed its record.
The club has also been victorious twice in the FA Cup, including in 1973 when it beat cup holders Leeds United in the final despite being in the second tier.
Known as the Black Cats, the club has a loyal following that has shown its support through good times and bad, including a recent four-year spell in League One.
That was reflected in the fact that, despite being in the third tier, average attendances exceeded 30,000 and were larger than several Premier League clubs.
The Foundation of Light was established in 2001 by then club chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE to support the region where he was born and grew up.
The foundation works to utilise the power of football to deal with various issues within society, with a goal of helping the local community to live happier and healthier lives - offering more than 40 different programmes and courses to support both adults and children.
Now the largest football charity in the UK, the foundation is based next to the stadium at the Beacon of Light, but also operates various outreach centres across the wider area.
We operate six car dealerships across the wider Sunderland area representing Honda, BMW, and MINI, allowing us to connect with our Sunderland fans and their motoring needs.
The partnership also helps us to raise awareness of Vertu through shirt advertising and by reaching the club's social media channels.
A testament to the loyalty of their fans, the red and white army boast:
"We are delighted to welcome Vertu as an official partner of Sunderland AFC. Vertu is an established and respected national brand which is renowned for its commitment to quality service and customer care."
"Based in the North East, it has an ever-growing presence within the region, and we look forward to working with them to establish a strong and lasting partnership."
"We are delighted to expand our football sponsorship portfolio with the addition of Sunderland AFC."
"Sunderland have huge support and demonstrate a real commitment to their community, which is fundamental to how we want to promote our partnerships, with a number of our car dealerships also located in proximity of our new club partner."
"We look forward to working closely with them to bring the Vertu brand to their audiences and support their various football initiatives across the region."
Few would have tipped Sunderland as contenders for promotion at the start of the EFL Championship season, but a stunning campaign for the Black Cats resulted in a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Sunderland will return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season after securing victory in a dramatic EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Sunderland will meet Sheffield United at Wembley later this month for a place in the Premier League after coming out on top of a dramatic EFL Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City.
Sunderland’s quest to secure promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season will go on after Regis Le Bris and his side secured a top-four finish at the conclusion of the regular campaign.