Barker Group is rapidly becoming the leading textile care company in the south of England with a diverse collection of services and products from its premium commercial laundry service to the manufacturing of tailored dress wear. You might wonder what the link is between shirts and rugby? Well go online at ‘MyCollarsandCuffs.com’ or ‘BarkerCollars.co.uk’ and see for yourself. Barker introduced a Rugby ‘FunBack’ dress shirt in December and it has become its bestselling design so far.
Barkers links with Rugby, however, are far from commercial. Matthew Barker is a lover of the sport, although other commitments and a fear of dying have prevented him from playing for the last 30 years. Matthew now supports the club in a number of ways, not least washing the kits!! “Our main focus was the community side of the club. The association with Rippa Rugby, who take the sport into local schools is an amazing cause. I love the win win of rugby’s values being proliferated to young people that would not necessarily get the opportunity, this at the same time as the Rugby Club being promoted to young people throughout the area.” Says Matthew, “Just recently we attended an inter schools tournament hosting 350 local youngsters at Bournemouth Rugby Club, it is great to support such positive activity and see them all get muddy – note to Mum – Google Barker Laundry!!”
Barker have supported the club for nearly eight years now but it is only in the last two years that Matthew and his team have grown their support and have become more actively involved. This is because a new direction and focus has emerged more recently. Matthew explains “We have experienced a massive surge in interest in Bournemouth Rugby, particularly in the last year. This has to come from a strong strategy being delivered by Phil Sinkinson OBE as Chairman and the indomitable Croker brothers, James and Will, who are taking the club to new levels.”
Matthew concludes, “Barker Group are really proud to sponsor this match against Maidenhead, one of our biggest rivals this season, in one of the most important matches so far. Good luck BRFC.”
Barker Group consist of five divisions, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Dress wear supply, Bed linen supply and Bridal wear care. Look out for the launch of our new web offering this Spring and the introduction of new clothing including a high quality, on trend, retro rugby shirt designed and made for Bournemouth Rugby Club.
