Fast-growing eCommerce fulfilment tech provider Huboo has taken to the skies to promote its sponsorship of Bristol Bears’ new season kit.
The firm’s branded hot air balloon took part in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta’s iconic first mass ascent this morning – with a giant Bears rugby shirt below it as it glided across the city just after dawn. 
The navy blue 2022/23 home kit, bearing the Huboo brand, is part of the firm’s sponsorship deal with all five of Bristol Sport’s professional sports teams – a UK-first.
Under the ground-breaking deal, announced in February, Huboo has become principal partner for the Bristol City men and women, Bristol Bears men and women and Bristol Flyers sports teams, with the firm’s brand featuring on the front of the shirts of all five of Bristol Sport’s professional teams throughout the 2022/23 season.
Huboo chief marketing officer Paul Bennett, pictured, said: “We’re extremely proud of our Bristol background and, just as we help eCommerce providers with their global fulfilment needs, we’re also committed to helping our city fulfil its amazing potential.
“Our partnership with Bristol Sport is extremely important to us and, as we’ve got to know each other, we’ve all been struck by the similarities between our two organisations and the vision, values and ambitions that we both share.”
Huboo is also sponsoring Sky Lounge, the first VIP bar at the world-renown fiesta, which runs until Sunday at Ashton Court Estate.
The lounge hospitality includes garden seating, free wi-fi for posting stunning images of the balloons, as well as access to a private bar, toilets and kids’ activities.
Paul Bennett added: “It’s a thrill to partner with one of the world’s largest ballooning festivals.
“To be able to fly our own branded hot air balloon, complete with the new Bristol Bears kit flying underneath it was a real privilege for us, before relaxing in our Sky Lounge to enjoy the rest of the action.”
Bristol Sport managing director Mark Kelly added: “We have been really excited to be able to welcome Huboo to the sporting group.
“To launch our Bristol Bears home kit alongside one of the largest balloon festivals in the world illustrates both of our ambitions for success and growth in Bristol and beyond.
“Bristol Sport’s core values are perfectly aligned with those of Huboo and together we aim to raise the bar for what is possible with a partnership of this scale.
“It’s an exciting time for both Huboo and Bristol Sport. We have a shared vision of making Bristol proud.”
Huboo was co-founded in 2017 by CEO Martin Bysh and CTO Paul Dodd and has since grown from one warehouse in Bristol to five fulfilment centres across the UK and multiple locations across key territories in Europe.
Balloon photo by Ben Birchall
