Graphix announced as Stoke City FC’s first ever official print and sign supplier

With pic: Paul Lakin Stoke City FC Chief Commercial Officer, with Stephen and Simon Ward, joint Managing Directors, Graphix.Photo credit Phil Greig.

Stoke-on-Trent based design and print company Graphix have been announced as Stoke City FC’s first ever official print and sign supplier in a recently penned contract, securing a 2 year deal with the club.

The Norton company has built a strong portfolio of work with the Potters, but this is the first time the Football League Club has penned an exclusive deal with one supplier and Graphix is celebrating a second win after designing and completing striking new full first team coach wrap graphics for Premier League Huddersfield Town.

Graphix also completes regular work for bet365, a firm with major links with Stoke City. The betting giants’ owners, the Coates family, are the major shareholders at Stoke City where Peter Coates is the long-standing and highly respected Chairman of the Board of directors.

Brothers Stephen and Simon Ward founded Graphix 26 years ago, working from the kitchen table at their parents’ home. The company has grown to a full-service agency with a team of 12 including graphic designers, printers and signage specialists. A major investment programme over the past three years has seen Graphix spend around £300,000 on state-of-the-art small and large format printing presses.

Stoke City’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Lakin said: “We are delighted to be partnering with another local company that is really going places.

“Both Stephen and Simon are huge supporters of the Club they also recognise the platform we can provide to their business and vice versa.”

Managing Director Steve Ward said: “This is a proud day for us. We have had a very positive relationship with Stoke City FC in recent years and have been instrumental in branding both the football stadium and the Clayton Wood training complex, but this is the first time the football club has agreed an exclusive deal with a company as Official print and signage supplier.”

The company’s name will now go up in lights at the bet365 Stadium. Graphix currently has pitch side advertising boards, but, will now take a huge presence on the electronic boards LED Boards surrounding the pitch. Stoke City FC are announcing this fantastic news via their social media platforms and website news feeds….great kudos for the team at Graphix.

This has personal resonance for Steve, who said: “From my trials for Stoke as a 12yr old schoolboy at the Old Victoria Ground, to supporting Stoke City and recently working with them to promote their brand, makes it such an amazing moment for me. I’m so proud of the hard work and attention to detail from my team. To be offered this partnership by the club, is a real testament to the quality and trust we have built between us”

Graphix are responsible for the largescale imagery on the front of the bet365 Stadium and last year produced large wayfinder boards, guiding visitors to entrances, facilities and enhancing the fan experience

Their work with Stoke City has brought them to the attention of other football clubs and they recently completed a branding project for the Huddersfield Town football coach. Graphix has in-house facilities to produce fantastic design & eye-catching vehicle wraps. The company has a portfolio of work for well-known clients, including Novus, Help for Heroes, One Sure Insurance, SAS Water and Butters John Bee.

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Nigel Howle: Telephone 07762 043436, email [email protected].