Backing Local Sport, Talent & Comedy

At Harwood Building Control, supporting our local community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe investing in local sport, culture, and emerging talent is more than just sponsorship – it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening community ties and helping people thrive. We’re proud of our role in these initiatives and remain committed to continuing our support.

That’s why we sponsor a wide range of activities across Kent – from grassroots rugby and local cricket to emerging motorsport stars and the theatre scene.

Here’s a look at how we’re supporting these clubs and organisations, and what it means to us, to them and to the local community.

Championing grassroots rugby

Rugby has always been a sport that brings people together, and we’re delighted to be supporting both Canterbury Rugby Football Club and Snowdown Colliery RFC. By backing these clubs, we’re helping ensure players of all ages and abilities have the facilities, coaching and opportunities they need to enjoy the game and develop their skills.

With their seasons underway, we’ll be supporting both clubs throughout their respective campaigns, as Canterbury RFC compete in English National League 2 and Snowdown Colliery RFC in the Kent Rural A League.

As a long-term sponsor of Canterbury Rugby Football Club, we asked them what our support means to them. Giles Hilton, Vice Chairman, commented:

“Harwood have been a partner of Canterbury RFC for more than 10 years and their support is invaluable as we continue to strive to provide ‘Rugby for All’ in our local Community.”

“At CRFC we are very proud of what we provide … from Senior Men’s and Women’s Rugby, through all the age groups for girls and boys from u6s to under 18s, Wheelchair Rugby branded as Canterbury Hellfire, Walking Rugby, an Ace Academy through the Archbishops School and a programme of schools and community rugby delivered both at the Club and in the local schools.”

“So support from local companies is vital for us to continue and grow the game of rugby and our pathway.”

Rising motorsport star: Jayden Sherwood

We’ve been following Jayden Sherwood’s journey since he was just 10 years old, watching his talent in karting shine through. Recognising his potential behind the wheel, we wanted to support him in giving himself the best possible chance of success.

Our sponsorship enables Jayden to access the resources and backing needed to pursue his racing career. Over the past few years, he has won numerous accolades, including being named 2024 NKC Junior Vice-Champion and 2024 Southern Cup Champion, and, most recently, becoming the champion in the 2025 National Karting Championship.

This year has been particularly successful, with Jayden also taking the Junior Rotax NKC 2025 O Plate at Warden Law. Now, he is preparing to step up once again. Moving to the senior kart class a year early, he will enter the 2026 British Kart Championship and apply for the Motorsport UK Academy.

Following his latest success, Tim Sherwood, Jayden’s Dad and Manager, had this to say about the positive impact Harwood’s sponsorship had had on Jayden’s journey so far:

“Harwood Building Control have been a huge part of Jayden’s motorsport journey over the last nine years. As a local business, their support has enabled him to compete in the Rotax Euro Trophy, the British Kart Championship, and, most recently, become the National Kart Cup Junior Champion.”

“Knowing that a local company believes in him has been a massive motivator for Jayden, allowing him to focus on developing his skills and advancing to the senior class. With Harwood’s continued backing, he is excited to return to the British Kart Championship in 2026 and keep chasing his dreams.”

Supporting local cricket

We’ve partnered with St Lawrence and Highland Court Cricket Club for the past few seasons, a true hub for local cricket. Our long-term commitment has enabled us to make substantial contributions to the club’s growth and development, as well as its players’ success. By supporting the club, we’re helping to maintain a strong grassroots tradition while ensuring young cricketers have the chance to develop within the game.

The 1st XI finished mid-table in the Kent Cricket Premier League, rounding off a strong summer.

Comedy at the Marlowe Theatre

Sport isn’t the only part of community life that matters. We’re also proud to sponsor comedy at The Marlowe Theatre, helping to bring world-class entertainment to Canterbury. Recent acts have included Al Murray, Jason Manford and Sara Pascoe.

Supporting the arts is just as important to us as sport – after all, shared experiences like theatre and comedy bring joy and connection to our community.

Having enjoyed several team evenings at the Marlowe, we take real pride in sponsoring comedy at our local venue. Commenting on the impact of Harwood’s support, Matthew Thorpe, Director of Development, said:

“Over the last few years, we’ve built a fantastic relationship with the team at Harwood Building Control. As sponsors of the Marlowe Theatre’s Comedy programme, their support keeps our theatre thriving. They are fantastic advocates for what we do here at the Theatre, and an all-round pleasure to work with.”

Why it matters to us

Ben Cheeseman, Commercial Director at Harwood, comments:

“For us, sponsorship is about giving back to the communities we live and work in. Whether it’s helping young athletes chase their dreams, supporting grassroots clubs, or supporting our local theatre, we see it as an investment in people, creating opportunities and helping our community flourish.”

If you’d like to learn more about the clubs, organisations and events we support, please get in touch