After entering its 100th year of operations, reputable mechanical and electrical contractor H. Malone & Sons is proud to be named as the headline sponsor of the 46th North-East Football Writers’ Association (NEFWA) Player of the Year Awards.
The prestigious ceremony, set to take place in the elegant surroundings of the Bishops Suite at Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa on Sunday, March 1, will now be a key part of the company’s ‘Challenge 100’ centenary celebrations – a year-long campaign dedicated to heritage, community and charity.
“It’s about giving something back and celebrating our heritage,” said H.Malone’s managing director Weston Malone. “We’re a family business, and we want people to know how important community is.
“Sponsoring an event of this magnitude, which brings together the entire region’s footballing community, is fantastic for the company. We are all huge football fans which makes this event even more special to us.”
Founded in 1926 by Henry Malone, the great-grandfather of Weston, the company began as a home-based business in South Gosforth when he left his job at the Tyne shipyards during the industrial strikes of the 1920s.
From its humble beginnings it moved to a workshop on Elmfield Road, behind the original Greggs on Gosforth high Street. The firm then moved to its current Gosforth Industrial Estate headquarters in 1969.
Members and directors of the H. Malone & Sons team including managing director Weston Malone (third from left). Pictures: H. Malone & Sons.
Today, the family legacy continues through Weston and Peter, the fourth generation. The fifth generation – Weston’s sons, Joseph and Will – are already active within the business.
The sponsorship of the NEFWA Awards is part of the Challenge100 campaign, which sees H. Malone staff undertaking 100 unique feats to raise funds for the charity Smile For Life.
This ambitious programme is heavily focused on social value and consists of activities that cover community engagement, health & wellbeing, charity and skill sharing. Some of the highlights include a 100ft abseil, 100 hours off grid, a community football tournament and culminates in a sponsored walk from the Tyne shipyards to H. Malone’s headquarters in Gosforth.
The firm is hosting a race meeting at Newcastle Racecourse in October and a gala dinner at The Biscuit Factory for staff and clients.
Pictures: H. Malone & Sons
The Newcastle-based firm’s recent acquisition of Sunderland-based electrical contractor McNally and Thompson has added a friendly competitive edge to the proceedings.
Weston suggested that while the “craic” has been brilliant from day one, having a mix of Newcastle and Sunderland fans together for the awards night will be a highlight of the celebrations.
The NEFWA awards dinner has long been regarded as one of the most significant dates in the regional sporting calendar as the entire North-East football community unites.
This year’s sold-out black-tie event will celebrate a historic double for Sunderland, as the club sweeps the top individual honours.
Dan Ballard has been named the NEFWA Player of the Year, becoming the first Sunderland player to win the award in nine years.
He edged out Newcastle United’s Dan Burn and Sandro Tonali for the title following his heroics in the club’s promotion-winning campaign and a pivotal last-ditch winning header in the play-off semi-finals.
Newcastle defender Dan Burn and Chris Kamara at a previous North-East Football Writers Awards. Picture: NEFW
Katie Kitching has been crowned the Women’s Player of the Year, recognised for her box-to-box dominance and ending a seven-year winning streak held by Durham Women players.
Other honours include Katy Watson winning the Young Women’s Player of the Year and Newcastle’s Lewis Miley claiming the men’s equivalent.
The evening traditionally brings together the biggest names in the region’s game, with past attendees including managers like Eddie Howe, Michael Carrick and Régis Le Bris.
A poignant highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/NEFWA Personality of the Year award, currently held by Gary Bennett.
The award is given to someone who, like Sir Bobby, uses their position in football to benefit the wider community.
Throughout the night, vital funds will be raised for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, ensuring that the celebration of football continues to support life-changing cancer research across the region.
* For final enquiries regarding the North-East Football Writers’ Association annual dinner at the Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa on March 1, please contact claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.
Sponsoring an event of this magnitude, which brings together the entire region’s footballing community, is fantastic for the company.”
-Weston Malone, Managing Director, H. Malone & Sons
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