The Hulton Arms pub has been crowned Bolton Wanderers’ local winner of the ‘Behind the Badge’ competition– a nationwide campaign from Official Partner of the EFL, Sage, that shines a spotlight on the small businesses that serve their local communities.
The recognition is a key moment in Sage’s recently announced partnership with the EFL, which is focused on championing the small and mid-sized businesses that keep their communities thriving.
Earlier this year Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses and Official Accounting Software Partner of the EFL, called on fans across all EFL Clubs to nominate businesses who make a real difference within their local communities, from barbers and cafés to plumbers and printers.
The Hulton Arms has been chosen alongside a long list of fellow small businesses from across the country who have won EFL match tickets and a suite of Sage products to help them thrive, as well as local marketing and promotion across Sage and EFL channels.
The Hulton Arms in Old Hulton sees itself as more than just a pub. From organising buses to every home and away match to giving away tickets so no fan misses out, the team behind The Hulton Arms is proud to make football accessible for all. Inside the pub, they show every game and create a welcoming space where supporters come together to share the highs and lows of the beautiful game.
The pub has also backed local charity matches and community causes, using football as a force for good.
Adam Griffiths, Owner of The Hulton Arms, said, “We’re a community pub and the people around us are involved in everything we do. Winning the Sage competition will allow us to continue to serve our local community and welcome new local Bolton fans.”
Within the 72 small businesses, three grand prize winners have also won bespoke sponsorship packages with their local Club in each EFL Division. These businesses are Chris’s Fish & Chips (Leicester City, Sky Bet Championship), Prime Time Plumbing (Bradford City, Sky Bet League One), and Monarch Mortgages (Gillingham , Sky Bet League Two).
Sally Moore, Global Head of Sponsorship at Sage, comments, “The Hulton Arms stood out for its unwavering support of football and youth sport in the Bolton area and its deep-rooted passion for the club. Behind every EFL Club is a dedicated network of small businesses working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. Sage is proud to celebrate the businesses behind the badge who consistently support their communities and the Clubs they love.”
Emma Jones, UK Small Business Commissioner (CBE), complemented the initiative, stating “The winners of Sage’s Behind the Badge competition exemplify the vital role small businesses play in strengthening our communities. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of local economies, driving growth and creating opportunities for people in towns and cities across the country every weekend. We must continue to recognise and support their work to ensure their continued prosperity in the communities they serve.”
The small business will be celebrated during the Sage Small Business Spotlight, which runs from 24th November across all three EFL Sky Bet leagues. Find out more about the businesses behind the badge and how Sage can support you for free at: www.sage.com/en-gb/blog/heroes-of-the-efl/
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