AO becomes headline sponsor of Manchester Arena

Online electricals retailer, AO, has inked a five-year deal to become the headline sponsor of Manchester Arena.

The Bolton-based pureplay becomes the first such sponsor since 2015 when the previous holder of that title Phones 4u ceased trading. 

The rebranded AO Arena is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. 

We are hiring

Last month, AO announced the creation of 650 new jobs across the UK in its retail, mobile, tech, financial services and logistics divisions.

It was a notable move amid a coronavirus outbreak that has caused many UK retailers to either freeze hiring or lay workers off, while unemployment claims have soared. 

The company, which currently has a 3,000 strong team, said that it was preparing for “significant growth and to manage the sustained demand sparked by customers turning to AO after Covid-19 accelerated online shopping habits”.

Also of interest: Interview: Dave Ashwell, MD, AO Logistics

It is looking to fill vacancies in various locations including Manchester, Bolton, Telford, Thatcham and Crewe and in some cases working from home. There are jobs on offer in tech, creative, supply chain, brand, sales, HR, customer services and marketing. 

AO Founder and Chief Executive, John Roberts, commented: “We went into Covid-19 fit and focused on the future. The pandemic accelerated a shift in customer behaviour towards online shopping. We saw five years’ change in five weeks. We now have the opportunity to make AO a habit that lasts for our new customers.”

“We’re investing to cement the change and prepare for our next phase of growth which includes creating hundreds of new, high quality jobs for a diverse range of talented people. Applications are open to anyone who cares passionately about being awesome for customers.”

For more information on the new roles, click here.

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