{"id":25986,"date":"2025-11-24T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=25986"},"modified":"2026-01-06T10:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T10:34:18","slug":"interactive-map-meet-the-small-businesses-powering-the-english-football-league","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/interactive-map-meet-the-small-businesses-powering-the-english-football-league\/","title":{"rendered":"Interactive map: Meet the small businesses powering the English Football League"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/free-guides-templates\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Free guides &amp; templates<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tInteractive map: Meet the small businesses powering the English Football League\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-11-24T08:00:00+00:00\">24 November, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Interactive map: Meet the small businesses powering the English Football League\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/interactive-map-meet-the-small-businesses-powering-the-english-football-league\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/ameliadunn\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/ameliadunn-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Amelia Dunn\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/ameliadunn-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/ameliadunn.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Amelia Dunn<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Football is so much more than the 90 minutes you see on the pitch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the drama you see on TV, there\u2019s a much deeper story that demonstrates the real heartbeat of the English Football League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s the pre-game pub, the local caf\u00e9 serving breakfast on matchday morning, or the local trades working in clubs week after week, small businesses have always been part of the match day experience. For as long as the football league has existed, they\u2019ve been woven into the fabric of the EFL communities, sitting behind the magic of the matches fans tune into every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For over 40 years, Sage has been backing so many of these small businesses and now, through our partnership, we\u2019re shining a spotlight on the people and businesses at the centre of each EFL community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what we discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-who-are-the-heroes-of-the-efl\" data-level=\"2\">Who are the heroes of the EFL?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-chris-s-fish-amp-chips-story-leicester-city\" data-level=\"3\">Chris&rsquo;s Fish &amp; Chips&rsquo; story: Leicester City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-prime-time-plumbing-s-story-bradford-city\" data-level=\"3\">Prime Time Plumbing&rsquo;s story: Bradford City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-monarch-mortgages-story-gillingham\" data-level=\"3\">Monarch Mortgages&rsquo; story: Gillingham<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-do-i-use-sage-s-interactive-efl-map\" data-level=\"2\">How do I use Sage&rsquo;s interactive EFL Map?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-are-the-heroes-of-the-efl\">Who are the heroes of the EFL?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the start of our EFL partnership, we invited millions of fans to nominate businesses at the heart of their community\u2014with the chance to win sponsorship of their local club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The response was incredible. Thousands of entries filled with stories of resilience, generosity, and creativity. They confirmed what we already knew, which is just how deeply local businesses, clubs, and fans are connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve developed an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/heroes-of-the-efl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interactive map of the UK<\/a> that showcases some of these amazing stories and dubbed the businesses involved as Heroes of the EFL. Every supporter has their own heroes. All we want to do is tell their stories.<br><br>From plumbers offering free call-outs on match day to party organisers hosting end-of-season celebrations, these heroes will see their names in lights at stadiums, in press, and across social this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ll also receive free Sage software and tickets to their home club, and our top three winners have bagged themselves bespoke club sponsorships at Leicester, Bradford and Gillingham.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chris-s-fish-amp-chips-story-leicester-city\"><strong>Chris\u2019s Fish &amp; Chips\u2019 story: Leicester City<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chriss.co.uk\/index.php?route=information\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chris\u2019s Fish &amp; Chips<\/a> has been serving up hearty meals and even heartier football support across Barwell and Leicester since day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Backing over six teams through sponsorship, the business runs inclusive football days, coaches youth sides, referees matches, and leads veterans&#8217; teams that bring older players together through the beautiful game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its owner is Football Association (FA)-trained and passionate about mental health in sport, creating a football charity that offers buddy schemes, talking therapies, and safe spaces for connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s kits, coaching or post-match meals, Chris&#8217;s Fish &amp; Chips is proud to be part of something bigger than football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prime-time-plumbing-s-story-bradford-city\"><strong>Prime Time Plumbing\u2019s story: Bradford City<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prime Time Plumbing is a reliable plumbing and heating service provider, based across West Yorkshire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But beyond its core business, the team is committed to the community, sponsoring the local grassroots team, Soothill FC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prime Time Plumbing believes that quality service and community investment go hand-in-hand. It doesn\u2019t just work to keep homes comfortable. It&#8217;s actively supporting the next generation through sport, creating new opportunities in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-monarch-mortgages-story-gillingham\"><strong>Monarch Mortgages\u2019 story: Gillingham<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Based in Gillingham, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/monarch-mortgage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monarch Mortgages<\/a> has been helping people secure their dream homes since 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond this, the business has been proudly backing grassroots football every step of the way. Whether it\u2019s sponsoring youth teams with kits, training support, or hosting regular fundraising events, it&#8217;s built strong ties with the local football community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From their financial literacy workshops to match day activities, Monarch Mortgages is helping fans thrive both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/heroes-of-the-efl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read their stories in full in Heroes of the EFL, our interactive map of businesses behind the badge<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-i-use-sage-s-interactive-efl-map\">How do I use Sage\u2019s interactive EFL Map?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dive into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/heroes-of-the-efl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interactive map<\/a>: pick your favourite club, explore your region, or zoom in on a story that sparks your interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Browse stories using the sidebar to handpick your location or click on a dot to open a story, picture, or video and read or watch more about the inspiring stories behind the EFL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the ambition for this map isn\u2019t just for searching your own local heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting a new town on an awayday? Why not use Sage\u2019s interactive map to seek out the top pre-match pub to visit on your way to the stadium. Scroll around the map to find the best businesses with the best stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click onto each pin on the map and you\u2019ll discover the businesses that share your passion and support the beautiful game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every pin on the map shows a new location, but it\u2019s also so much more. You can see the bond between EFL clubs, businesses, towns, and the wider football community that unites them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage\u2019s interactive EFL map tells a story of pride and passion, a living archive of the community heartbeat that keeps football alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As new stories are added and local heroes of the EFL continue to emerge, the map will grow and evolve into a lasting tribute to the people and places that define what the EFL truly stands for: unity, resilience, and ultimately, a shared love of football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The businesses behind the badge<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Want to discover your local heroes of the English Football League? Sage\u2019s interactive map uncovers their stories.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/heroes-of-the-efl\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-25988\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Take a look now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/cta-efl.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/cta-efl.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sage is Official Accounting Software Partner of the English Football League (EFL). We know small businesses and EFL Member Clubs are the backbones of local communities. Discover the business behind your badge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1887,"featured_media":26002,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[139],"tags":[728],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[109],"coauthors":[677],"class_list":["post-25986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-guides-templates","tag-efl","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Amelia Dunn","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/eftl-header.jpg","imagine_tags":{"109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25986","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1887"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25986"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25986\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/26002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25986"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=25986"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}