Black Cats score a hat trick of awards

Oct 31 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

SUNDERLAND AFC is celebrating off the pitch after scoring for three business awards.

The region’s only remaining Premier League club was awarded the Business Tourism of the Year award in the North East England Tourism Awards, and swept up at the Portfolio Business Awards 2009 by winning two further honours, including Overall Portfolio Business of the Year.

The Business Tourism title recognised the growth and development of new business achieved by the Black Cats and acknowledged the credentials of its home, the Stadium of Light, as a venue for major events, as well as football.

And the Portfolio Business of the Year capped a year of encouraging results on and off the pitch for SAFC, while its third nomination for a Training Award at the Portfolio Business Awards recognised the development of its 1000-plus staff.

Steve Walton, Sunderland AFC’s chief executive, said: “These awards cap a fantastic year for the club and are great recognition for our employees throughout the organisation.

“A lot of people have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the club is performing to its very best in every operation and across each and every department, and these awards are a credit to them.”

Work at the business end of the club has included a new ticketing policy designed to support families, which has helped to boost the sales of season tickets.

Its retail operation is also continuing to perform well against the high street, selling more shirts this year than last, while its commercial team has continued to service a high demand for world-class hospitality.

The club will follow its Business Tourism award win by going on to compete in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, held in Brighton next April.