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As a company, we’re always looking to give something back to the community we work in, and so we’re pleased to announce we are lending our support to a local basketball team for the second year in a row.

We are, once again, the proud sponsors of the Teesside Lions’ game warm-up tops – and we can’t wait to see what this season holds, as the team goes from strength to strength.

Concept IT managing director Kevin Embleton said: “As the Lions IT provider, we’re pleased to be sponsoring the team for the second year in a row.

“They’re a great bunch of people, who are not only putting Teesside on the map for elite sport, but also supporting the community, working with children of all ages to instill the importance of health and wellbeing, and it makes us proud to feel that we’re giving something back.”

The team, owned by James Thomson, started life as the Middlesbrough Lions in 2007, taking a five-year hiatus from 2013, before being relaunched as the Teesside Lions in 2019. The national league club has attracted worldwide interest after signing Great Britain Coach Marc Steutel in its bid to bring professional basketball to Teesside.

James explains: “Sponsorship is a significant part of our income, allowing us not just to operate, but to develop as a team.

“During the Covid lockdown, we’ve had five months with no income, but still had operational costs.

“The club would have struggled to operate had we failed to secure the support of Concept and our other sponsors, but welcoming both returning and new commercial partners is an indication that we are doing something right, and has allowed us to deliver something for the people of Teesside to be excited about in spite of the Covid uncertainty.”

Last month, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen visited the Lions to welcome the five commercial partners ahead of the new 2020-21 season.

He said: “I think the Lions are a real hidden gem and that is reflected in the calibre of businesses that are getting involved.

“You’ve got some really good sponsors who want to go along for the ride with a professional basketball team right here in Teesside.

“It’s great to see local businesses wanting to give back to community sport. Participating in sport is fantastic for children, and it’s pleasing to see them getting involved – it’s what Teesside’s all about.”

We’re delighted to be on board once again, and the Concept team are looking forward to the first game of the season ­- against TV Mohawks - on Sunday October 25th.