An exciting new affinity initiative for the local business community has been unveiled by Aberdeen Football Club.

‘By Official Appointment’ (BOA) will formally bring together a family of businesses and loyal Aberdeen FC fans under a common banner, with a view to generating more business and helping supporters receive the best possible products, offers and service.

AFC Commercial Director Rob Wicks commented: “Aberdeen is filled with outstanding businesses that are very good at what they do and many of them stand to benefit from a closer relationship with Aberdeen FC. Through the BOA programme, participating businesses will be able to create incentives and special offers which the Club will market to its extensive fan base using our range of marketing and media channels.

Affinity programmes such as BOA are recognised across the business world as a proven and powerful marketing tool to deliver new sales revenues and with Aberdeen being a one club city with a hugely loyal fan base, the response from the business community has been very positive indeed.

Competitive interest amongst the business community has been significant and among the companies to have already signed up are Central Coaches, Malmaison, Gary Walker Wealth Management, Pro Player Plan, Aberdeen Framing, Jamieson & Carry, Fresh Mex, GD Pest Control, The Ashvale, Flexistore, Decidedly Dogs, The Foundry, Four Mile, Maggies Grill, Siberia, Skyline, Signed Memorabilia by Tony Scott, Aberdeen Whisky Shop, McWilliams Butcher, the Belmont Filmhouse, Mackies of Scotland, Fits the Scoop, H&R, Sea, Salt & Sole and Elegant Beauty.

“With more than 230 available categories, participation in the BOA programme will enable local businesses to increase awareness, prestige and status, while growing market share coupled with creating loyalty and affinity among our supporters. With more than 100,000 stakeholders, that is quite an incentive,” added Wicks.

Local businesses have a range of categories to choose from, each of which offers a variety of benefits including branding, networking, use of the Club logo, preferential rates for advertising and complimentary matchday tickets. Partners pay an annual subscription fee to secure a Club licence entitling them to ‘By Official Appointment’ partnership status. Any business that doesn’t specifically have a consumer offering can join as ‘BOA Affiliates’ and also enjoy a range of benefits.

The launch of BOA programme follows the successful AberDNA initiative which was launched earlier this year, attracting nearly 6,500 members. Any local businesses wanting to get involved in the BOA programme should contact Laura Butler on 01224 650497 or laura.butler@afc.co.uk