Director of Kukri GB limited Mike Humble explained how the partnership has improved business: “Scottish Hockey is a fantastic blue print for the type of partner Kukri is seeking to work with. Having worked closely with the players in the early stages to develop a world class product, we are now using Scottish Hockey’s international reach and reputation within the sport to attract other world class hockey partners such as our new agreements with both Spain and Australia’s Hockeyroos.”
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“The renewal deal is a further statement of Kukri’s intent to plan long term futures with key partners across all sports.
“Hockey has a lot to offer for less than multi-million pounds of investment. It’s a high participation sport across Scotland in both genders, particularly in schools and has global reach-especially across European and Asian nations. It’s also a relatively untapped market in the UK with strong grassroots opportunities,” explained Scottish Hockey CEO Brent Deans.
Hockey, as a major team sport at London 2012 and a core sport for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, is being seen as a safe bet for long term investment with guaranteed exposure at two massive international sporting events happening right here in the UK. Seeing the opportunity, Kukri has been working closely with the Commonwealth Games Council developing sportswear aimed at the 2014 games.
The renewal deal with Kukri not only ensures Scotland’s national squads will look sharp on the pitch for years to come, it also allows Scottish Hockey to continue to offer their clubs, districts, schools or any member access to great deals.
Deans said: “Twice a year we set up an online shop where Kukri offers a specially designed line for Scottish Hockey members-it’s very popular. This is just another example of where the partnership benefits both parties. Our members get great kit at low cost and Kukri increases sales and brand awareness.
“We were the first national governing body for hockey to partner with Kukri and the relationship has proven very beneficial for both parties-an increase from three years to seven was an easy agreement.”
