DHL, the Official Logistics Partner for Leicester City Football Club (LCFC), last week revealed that businesses across Leicestershire have seen an increase of over 20% in exports since LCFC won the Premier League.
From Austria to the USA, the world wants to experience what Leicester has to offer. Exports of Leicester-produced items, such as clothing and automobiles, have rocketed in Europe. Finland and Sweden have shown enormous growth, while Germany continues to be the largest market for businesses in LE1.
Further afield, Japan and the USA have an increasing appetite for Leicester products, reflecting the popularity of the city’s football club.
With support from DHL, Claudio Ranieri’s squad flew out from East Midlands Airport last month for International Champions Cup fixtures in Scotland, the USA and Sweden. LCFC’s exciting global growth has fans across the world clamouring to wear the shirt.
The club’s revenue from Japan, the home of forward Shinji Okazaki, has increased more than 30 times since the team lifted the Premier League trophy.
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK&I, commented: “It has been a real honour for DHL to support LCFC on their journey to the top of the league. The Foxes are now a global brand, playing matches around the world, supported by fans on every continent. We are looking forward to developing our partnership this season and supporting LCFC with their international success.”
“As a football club we’re immensely proud to represent the city of Leicester”, added Ian Flanagan, Commercial Director at Leicester City FC, “and it’s fantastic to see local businesses going from strength to strength.
“We have fans from around the world and we are excited to show them what Leicester, from our football team to the thriving local businesses, is all about.”
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Leicester City Football Club’s success last season was a major event, which helped to confirm the city’s place on the world map. The re-interment of King Richard III, LCFC playing in the Champions League and next year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup all contribute to Leicester’s growing reputation as a great place to visit, live and do business.”