The relationship between the club and agency began in July 2008 when EXP Sport was founded by Laura Oakes, after leaving her position as Head of Sponsorship at Harlequins. Laura was responsible for the restructuring of Harlequins sponsorship portfolio and signing several new sponsors including the main sponsor, Etihad Airways, who announced a three year extension last week.

The new deal was reached after EXP Sport's impressive track record working with the club to significantly increase its commercial revenue. The agency has successfully renegotiated several key partnerships in the past 12 months including sponsorships with LV=, Greene King and Norton Rose, as well as the Main Sponsorship with Etihad Airways, and continues to work closely with Harlequins to activate their partners' sponsorships throughout the season and at large scale events including the Big Game series which has attracted global brands such as Samsung and Vodafone to the club.

Laura Oakes said: "EXP Sport is delighted to announce that our deal with Harlequins FC has been renewed. Our business has grown significantly over the last three years but the relationship with Harlequins has always been of great importance especially in establishing EXP Sport as a credible agency and the success that we have had, not only in securing sponsorships for the club but also in the way the relationship has worked, has undoubtedly assisted us in securing other clients within the sports sector. We look forward to working with them over the next 4 years and continuing to build what is a very sound sponsorship program for the club."

Mark Evans, CEO of Harlequins commented, "EXP Sport has demonstrated to us the benefits of working with an external agency whilst delivering an in-house level of service. They offer us the opportunity to access a wider network of potential sponsors and to keep up to date with the sponsorship market whilst their relationship with the club has helped us to retain our partners by delivering a first class account management service. We look forward to continuing to work with them."