Brian Bannatyne, managing director of Glasgow Warriors' principle club sponsor, RESPONSE, this week explained to www.glasgowwarriors.org why his company decided to renew their association with the Firhill side for a further two years.

Brian Bannatyne (centre), Managing Director of RESPONSE, with Glasgow Warriors players Graeme Morrison (centre left) and Johnnie Beattie (centre right) met the kids from Glasgow East rugby club at the Warriors' Summer Camp at Pollok Park.

Both the Warriors and RESPONSE are continually seeking to enhance their community credentials through sport, and rugby in particular, and the true benefit of their partnership was demonstrated when Bannatyne met 12 youngsters from Glasgow East rugby club whom he sponsored to attend the Warriors' Summer Camp at Pollok Park.

"The summer camp is a great thing," said Bannatyne. "There were some kids from the east end of Glasgow who didn't have the opportunity to come along so we were really happy to sponsor them.

"We met some of them today with the Warriors players. They seem really excited, really up for it. I also met Martin Thompson from the east end club. It's a great opportunity for these guys so I was really happy to sponsor them.

"I didn't realise there was going to be quite so many kids at the Warriors' camp, and the people from the east end club seemed so excited and so enthusiastic. It's really great for the guys."

RESPONSE first adorned the famous Glasgow jersey last season, and after a successful campaign both on and off the field, Bannatyne felt it was right to extend the partnership for a further two years.

"The Warriors had a great year last year so renewing our sponsorship is great for the business and for our people inside the business," he continued.

"I think the Warriors are going to be really important for us. We have just under 2,500 people employed in Glasgow and we are trying to do something different with our business, something transformational.

"What the Warriors are trying to achieve in Glasgow is also something really quite different. They are trying to promote rugby in the west of Scotland, trying to compete with the likes of the Old Firm for sports coverage, so the Warriors are trying to do something culturally quite different and that really fits with us."

Warriors chief exectuive, Kenny Baillie, added: "Glasgow Warriors' partnership with RESPONSE was a positive one last year. However, this season it has developed into a relationship that is delivering on the goals of our two respective Glasgow institutions.

"Glasgow supporters are getting behind the team like never before. Season ticket sales are well ahead of where we have been at this time in previous years, so to have one of Glasgow's biggest employers backing us is great news for the club."

The Warriors are the only professional sports team in the city that regularly competes against teams from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy in addition to their European exploits against additional sides from England and France.

Therefore, the opportunity to be visible in so many countries, as well as the television platforms on which the Warriors' games are broadcast, is another positive for Bannatyne's business both inside and out.

"It gets the brand name out there. We've had a lot of great feedback from clients, potential clients and a lot of great feedback inside the business.

"It makes people feel good to be associated with a great sports name so the guys are really up for it."