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Howard Basford and the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey organisation form a winning team

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Howard Basford, a leading accident repair network, has announced that it will be the main sponsor of Manchester-based ice hockey team, the Trafford Metros, for the forthcoming season, as well as becoming an integral support mechanism for the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Organisation as a whole.

The regional accident repair business, with nine locations across the North West, has committed to the Metros for three years, providing the team with the financial security required to move forward and secure their future in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) at the Altrincham Ice Dome.

The significant support provided by Howard Basford is part of the company’s wider corporate and social responsibility commitment to re-investing into the local community. It is also a natural progression from the previous support it has offered to the development of Manchester’s junior ice hockey teams in previous years.

Howard Basford is a team of experts with a central focus to deliver high quality vehicle and body repairs across its nine locations in the North West. The company utilises the latest technologies and innovations, delivered by a highly skilled team, to provide quality repairs as well as a mobile repair service for customers’ convenience. 

The company is also one of the founding members of National Accident Repair Group, a national network of repairers comprising ten of the UK's top accident groups.  National-ARG is driving forward the Thatcham/BSI Kitemark accreditation across all of its member sites.

Tracy Howard, chairman of Howard Basford, said: “We feel the NIHL is a critical stepping stone for junior ice hockey players to continue their progression all the way into the premier leagues, and hopefully, one day, representing the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Club. There are numerous people who devote their time and energy into advancing ice hockey at the Altrincham Ice Dome, through mentoring, organising, fundraising and offering match day support. We feel honoured that we are able to be a part of that by supporting this great sport.”

Director of ice hockey development at the Manchester Phoenix Organisation, Nigel Soens, said: “We are really excited to have Howard Basford on board. We still have a lot of hard work to do and are actively looking for more partners, but to get such a good main sponsor this early on is a great start." 

Neil Morris, owner of the Manchester Phoenix Organisation, of which the Metros is a part, said:  "Having the support of Howard Basford means that the Metros won't be a ‘pay to play’ team and enables the players to focus on their hockey, instead of being distracted by the financial pressures that the game can bring. Having such a strong commitment for three years will allow us to develop a long term strategy, instead of living from season to season, which is great news for the future of ice hockey in Manchester." 

Nigel Soens finished by saying: "More sponsors will be announced throughout the summer break but by the start of the season we will be in a strong position, both on and off the ice.”

For more information and to keep up to date with the team’s progression, please go to the dedicated Trafford Metros part of the clubs main website at www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/enl