County Durham firm marks another year as Durham Cricket’s main sponsor

The Banks Group, first formed commercial ties with the club more than three decades ago and continues to play a key role in its growth and development.

Its sponsorship includes naming rights to the Banks Homes Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street and branding on the men’s, women’s and junior pathway teams’ kits.

Harry Banks OBE DL, chairman and chief executive at the Banks Group, said: “The start of a new cricket season is always a landmark time in our business year and the connection with our 50th anniversary celebrations makes this season an especially important one for us.

“We’ve been part of the Durham Cricket story for over 35 years and are looking forward to seeing all the club’s teams and players succeeding through the summer.”

Founded in Tow Law in 1976, Banks first backed Durham Cricket before it achieved First Class county status.

The company sponsored the under-19 team in 1989 and later helped the club gain First Class status after a 70-year wait.

Banks has long supported junior cricket development, helping to create the nursery ground at the Riverside and sponsoring boys’ and girls’ age group teams for many years.

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, said: “Our partnership with Durham Cricket has helped to increase our brand visibility as we’ve expanded our portfolio of high-quality residential developments across the North East and Yorkshire, and we’re excited to be taking our place for a new season at the iconic Banks Homes Riverside ground.”

The company’s support for cricket extends well beyond Durham.

Banks has invested in grassroots cricket throughout the North East by sponsoring league and cup competitions and providing grants to clubs.

It recently renewed its sponsorship of the North East Premier League, a partnership that dates back to the league’s formation 27 years ago.

Banks has also sponsored Northumberland County Cricket Club for the past eight years, with the team wearing the Banks Homes brand in National Counties Cricket Championship matches.

Tim Bostock, chief executive at Durham Cricket, said: “It is great to celebrate our second year with Banks Group as Durham’s principal partner.

“Banks Group has been a long-term partner of Durham Cricket who have supported us for over 30 years, and it is fantastic to continue to work alongside the group.

“Banks Group is a progressive, community-minded partner that aligns with our Northern culture, sharing our passion for community spirit and cricket.

“Everyone at the club is excited about the coming years, in what is an exciting time for English cricket, as we continue to move forward both on and off the field.”