Preston's local winner of national EFL prize revealed

Westmorland Flooring has been crowned Preston North End’s local winner of the ‘Behind the Badge’ competition – a nationwide campaign from Official Partner of the EFL, Sage, that shines a spotlight on the small businesses that serve their local communities.

The recognition is a key moment in Sage’s recently announced partnership with the EFL, which is focused on championing the small and mid-sized businesses that keep their communities thriving.

Earlier this year Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses and Official Accounting Software Partner of the EFL, called on fans across all EFL clubs to nominate businesses who make a real difference within their local communities, from barbers and cafés to plumbers and printers.

Westmorland Flooring has been chosen alongside a long list of fellow small businesses from across the country who have won EFL match tickets and a suite of Sage products to help them thrive, as well as local marketing and promotion across Sage and EFL Club channels.

Westmorland Flooring Ltd has been proudly serving Kendal and the Lake District since 2015. Away from the showroom, Stu Parkin and Pete Gorst and their team are passionate football fans who have become a familiar name in local grassroots football. Their ongoing sponsorship of Kendal Town and the Kent Valley Junior Football League helps keep matches running and gives children the chance to play the game they love.

Within the 72 winners, three grand prize winners have also won bespoke sponsorship packages with their local Club in each EFL Division. These businesses are Chris's Fish & Chips (Leicester City, Sky Bet Championship), Prime Time Plumbing (Bradford City, Sky Bet League One), and Monarch Mortgages (Gillingham, Sky Bet League Two).

Stu Parkin, Director of Westmorland Flooring, said “We started Westmoreland Flooring a decade ago and are always looking to reach to new customers in our local area. For us, it’s all about giving back to the community and helping young players enjoy football, and they’re committed to keeping that spirit alive for many seasons to come. Winning Sage's competition will help us to streamline our admin processes and continue supporting grassroots football"

Sally Moore, Global Head of Sponsorship at Sage, comments, “Westmorland Flooring stood out for its unwavering support of football and youth sport in the Preston area and its deep-rooted passion for the club. Behind every EFL Club is a dedicated network of small businesses working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. Sage is proud to celebrate the businesses behind the badge who consistently support their communities and the Clubs they love.”

Emma Jones, UK Small Business Commissioner (CBE), complemented the initiative, stating "The winners of Sage’s Behind the Badge competition exemplify the vital role small businesses play in strengthening our communities. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of local economies, driving growth and creating opportunities for people in towns and cities across the country every weekend. We must continue to recognise and support their work to ensure their continued prosperity in the communities they serve."

The 72 small business winners will be celebrated during the Sage Small Business Spotlight, which runs from 20th November across all EFL Clubs. This activity sits at the heart of the wider Sage–EFL partnership, showing how Sage’s technology and support can help local business communities grow alongside their clubs. Find out more about Sage products and how they can help your business at www.sage.com/en-gb/company/corporate-partnerships/efl/products/