Championing Nottingham’s Champions: First Enterprise Joins the Nottingham Panthers Business Club

First Enterprise has officially joined the Nottingham Panthers Business Club for the 2025/26 season, marking an exciting partnership that unites local business with one of Nottingham’s most successful sports teams.

This collaboration celebrates local champions, both on the ice and in enterprise, and strengthens First Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to supporting businesses across the East Midlands region.

Fresh from their 2024/25 Playoffs Championship victory, the Panthers are as much a part of Nottingham’s community as they are a force on the ice. Their Business Club provides local organisations with opportunities to network, collaborate, and enjoy exclusive match-day experiences, all while backing one of the most successful teams in British ice hockey.

For First Enterprise, joining the Panthers Business Club is about more than just putting their logo on the boards. It’s about backing Nottingham’s best, uniting business and sport, and celebrating what makes the city great: teamwork, ambition, and heart.

As a not-for-profit business lender, First Enterprise has spent over three decades helping start-ups and established businesses across the East Midlands secure the funding, and financial boost they need to grow. By teaming up with the Nottingham Panthers, the organisation is extending their community development beyond the boardroom and onto the rink.

“We are delighted to welcome First Enterprise into the Business Club this year. The work they do in supporting both start-ups and established companies is fantastic; it is great to add to our ever-growing list of industries in the Nottingham Panthers Business Club,” said Jordan Kelsall, Business Development Manager and Player for the Nottingham Panthers.

The Panthers are much more than a sports team; they’re a cornerstone of Nottingham’s community life. From supporting local causes to inspiring the next generation of athletes, the Panthers have long championed initiatives that bring people together. The club’s community projects have included youth development programmes, fundraising for local charities, and partnerships that create real social impact across the city.

“At First Enterprise, we’ve always believed in supporting talent, whether that’s an entrepreneur taking their first shot at business or a team chasing the puck towards another title,” said Danielle Davis, Deputy Director at First Enterprise.

“The Panthers embody the same drive and determination we see in the businesses we support. We’re thrilled to join forces with true local champions and help keep Nottingham at the top of its game, on and off the ice.

By backing our local team, we’re doing more than just sponsorship: we’re playing our part in the local ecosystem. Ice-hockey brings people together, and so does thriving businesses. It makes perfect sense for us to support both.”

The Nottingham Panthers Business Club offers local organisations the chance to network, collaborate, and engage in exclusive match-day experiences, all while backing one of the most successful teams in British ice hockey. For businesses looking to get involved, membership applications are open now via the Panthers website: Nottingham Panthers Business Club Application Form - Season 2025-26

This partnership is the start of an exciting season for First Enterprise. Whether it’s helping a start-up take its first shot or cheering from the stands as the Panthers chase another trophy, First Enterprise is proud to keep championing Nottingham’s champions.

For more information on how First Enterprise can help businesses secure Start Up Loans or Business Loans from £500 to £250,000, visit www.first-enterprise.co.uk