For the first time, Intercity has ventured into the South West region by forming a new partnership with Bristol Bears.
The technology solutions firm, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, has been appointed as an official club partner for the 2026/27 season. This collaboration will see Intercity enhance IT Managed Services, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Communications for both the men's and women's teams at the club.
Technology and sport integration
Recognising the growing importance of technology in elite sports, Intercity's involvement will support the Bears' ongoing investment in innovation, both on and off the field. As part of a one-year agreement, the company has also secured a position as the official lower back-of-shirt partner for the Bristol Bears Women’s team, showcasing their partnership through visible branding. This development comes on the heels of the women’s team’s recent high-profile acquisition of England's Ellie Kildunne.
Oliver Hayward, Chief Revenue Officer at Intercity, stated, “This is a major milestone for our business, giving us a new presence in the South West, whilst also extending our footprint in the sporting world - where we already have similar agreements with Birmingham City Football Club and Edgbaston. Bristol Bears and Bristol Bears Women are very ambitious and share our values of developing talent and delivering a major positive impact to the communities we both operate in.”
Enhancing performance through technology
This partnership aligns with Bristol Bears’ growth and innovation goals in Premiership rugby
Hayward further noted the strong enthusiasm surrounding rugby in Bristol, expressing Intercity's commitment to providing both teams with the solid IT infrastructure and technological innovations needed to optimise performance analytics and enhance the matchday experience. He added, “The sponsorship element of the deal will also raise awareness of the Intercity name in a relatively untapped area for us, with stadium branding, digital engagement and, the icing on the cake, our logo on the lower backs of the Bristol Bears Women’s shirts.”
This partnership aligns with Bristol Bears’ growth and innovation goals in Premiership rugby and underscores the integral role of technology in achieving high performance. The collaboration also highlights a mutual dedication to talent development. While Bristol Bears Women focus on expanding the women’s game, Intercity promotes opportunities for women in technology through career pathways and mentoring initiatives.
Commitment to female talent
Daisie Mayes, General Manager of Bears Women, expressed her enthusiasm: "We're delighted to welcome Intercity to Bristol Bears. Its commitment to developing female talent and creating opportunities for women in technology really resonates with what we're building within our women's programme.”
She added, “Having its support as our lower back-of-shirt partner is a fantastic endorsement of our ambitions, and we're excited to work together as we continue to grow the team and inspire the next generation."
Community and high-performance synergy
Intercity's focus on community initiatives parallels the efforts of the Bristol Bears Foundation, with the technology company contributing to charities like Acorns Children's Hospice, the Army Benevolent Fund, and Kids Village to extend a lasting impact beyond the workplace.
Bristol Bears CEO Tom Tainton commented, “As we continue to invest in high-performance environments across our men's and women's programmes, we're excited to work alongside Intercity, a partner that truly understands the vital role technology plays in enabling success both on and off the field.”
