Council Signs Advertising Deal to Make Its Assets Sweat

ADVERTISING will be sold on Council assets as part of a new deal to generate cash and help maintain services.

Charnwood Borough Council has signed a Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship contract with Ashby-based Socius which will sell advertising and sponsorship packages on Council buildings, vehicles, structures and publications where appropriate.

The contract could generate more than £100,000 in annual income which will be pumped back into the authority to help maintain services and get better for value for money for taxpayers.

Councillor David Slater, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “This is the first time the Council has embarked on a project such as this.

“Other councils and public sector agencies are already selling advertising space to help cushion the impact on their budgets so we felt there was an opportunity for us to do the same.

“It is a great example of the Council’s open-minded approach to finance and our commitment to delivering value for money for taxpayers by making public assets earn money.

“Critically, this kind of deal will help us protect and maintain frontline services while supporting local businesses to promote themselves.”

The contract is for two years with an option to extend for another year. It also includes strict clauses to ensure any advertising material meets the Council’s moral and ethical ethos.

Sharon Keevins, Managing Director of Socius, said: “We are extremely excited to have won this contract with Charnwood Borough Council.

“Socius has a track record of delivering on public sector contracts. We are currently already provide a similar service within the NHS which is proving successful.

“This contract will enable the Council and Socius to work very closely with local businesses to offer high profile promotional opportunities while helping the Council generate funds.”

Buildings and assets which could feature advertising opportunities include Loughborough Town Hall, Charnwood Musuem, Queen’s Park, Council-owned car parks and the Council’s three leisure centres.

For more information about advertising or sponsorship packages, please contact Mike Underwood, the Council’s Communications Officer, on 01509 634705 or email Michael.underwood@charnwood.gov.uk