The asset manager is deepening its links with the football industry.

UK accountancy and investment firm Smith & Williamson, which recently drew attention to the specific wealth management needs of the footballing world, is to be the headline sponsor of awards honouring people working behind the scenes in the Beautiful Game.

The Football Business Awards have announced that the firm will be its headline sponsor for the 2015 and 2016 awards.

The ceremony, taking place on 5 November at Chelsea Football Club’s Stamford Bridge stadium, celebrates the unsung heroes working to shape the football industry. 

Now in their fourth year, the awards' categories include Best Business Serving Football, Best Non-match Day Use of the Venue, Best Marketing of a Football Club, Best Fan Engagement by Club and Sponsorship / Partnership of the Year. Bringing together clubs, sponsors, businesses and influencers, previous winners have included Nottingham County FC, Firstkind, Fifa.com, Manchester City FC, Brabners and Royal Berkshire Conference Centre.  

The awards are designed to acknowledge businesses supporting the infrastructure of the football industry.   

“It’s fantastic to have Smith & Williamson on board,” said Rory Russell, co-founder of the Football Business Awards. “It’s important to us to have sponsors who understand the football industry, which Smith & Williamson do. With their dedicated sports group as well as their commitment to providing the next generation of sportspeople with the tools to manage their future by providing training, Smith & Williamson understand the importance of business within football – we’re looking forward to working with them over the next two years.” 

Roy Baldwin, head of Smith & Williamson’s sports group, said: “We are delighted to be headline sponsors of the Football Business Awards, celebrating the achievements of those behind the scenes who help shape the football industry. We wish the event every success and look forward to the evening.”

This publication recently spoke to Smith & Williamson about how, despite media coverage of high salaries for leading players, the reality is far less alluring, with sometimes shocking stories of players ending in dire financial straits and lacking adequate guidance over their business affairs. To view that item, click here.