Behind the Brand: The Bradfords Group Ltd

Over the course of the year, we will be introducing the people behind the brands that we all see on the Exeter Chiefs kit and around the stadium to give people an insight into our commercial partners.

David Young, Group CEO at The Bradfords Group Ltd

Who are you and what do you do?

Bradfords is a family-owned independent Builders merchant that was founded in 1770. We sell everything you need to build a home across 44 branches and online via bradfords.co.uk. We employ 875 staff from Worcester to Verwood to Penzance.

Who inspires you in the world of business?

Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs. He obsesses about the basics and making the game simple. He gets the best out of his team, but also understands his roots and how the club operates within in the southwest community.

What was it that made you want to partner with Exeter Chiefs? And what do you hope to achieve?

The club is well respected and is the heart of our trading area – we are a Southwest based business with our Head Office in Yeovil. We are so proud to be associated with the club and the community cup and are keen to find new ways of engaging young people in the wonderful world of rugby. The development of young talent is close to our hearts as we invest heavily in apprenticeships and fast track programmes to grow our own talent. I hope that we can help Exeter Chiefs continue to find and develop talented players and add value to the club through support, awareness, and engagement.

What can members, supporters and club partners expect to see from the business over the next 12 months?

Commitment to drive this partnership – we won’t be passengers. We want to add value to everyone associated with the club.

Quick fire questions

What exactly is it that you do? CEO.

Best part of the job? Talking to people.

Favourite thing to do away from the office? Go fishing

Interesting fact about you? Aged 16 I scored 99 not out in an England cricket trial and didn’t get picked!

Favourite sports person? Henry Slade.

Are there more wheels or doors in the world? Wheels…sadly.

Who would you most like to have dinner with past or present? My wife.

What superpower would you like to have? To turn back time.

Favourite place to eat? The Forester, Donhead St Andrew, Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Tea or coffee? Coffee.

Favourite podcast or book. Bass Lure Fishing, a Guides Perspective by Marc Cowling.

Night in or night out? Night in.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

Cream first or jam first? Jam first!