About Us

Who we are


Ballon was born from a love and passion for sport. Co-Founders, Adrian Stores and Russ Johnson first made contact via social media in 2011, and went on to create and deliver a reputable charity cycling event which not only completed successfully but raised money for good causes – grass roots football and an esteemed hospice for palliative care. They have remained close friends ever since and Ballon Sports Agency evolved through a combination of commercial acumen, people skills and an impressive ‘black book’ in the UK and overseas. It is the emphasis on ‘people’ and how we partner with them which makes us “proud to be different”. Russ departed from the Company in 2019, whilst Adrian remains at the helm.

Adrian Stores

Co-founder

Thirty years experience in marketing and commercial sports consultancy. Advised more than 15 percent of professional football clubs in EPL and EFL. Now taking this expertise to some of the largest clubs in the World including Mainland Europe and Middle East. Also, adviser to other sports and some NGBs including rugby, volleyball, wrestling, judo and tae kwon-do.

Former Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (leading international body for marketing and business development – CIM) for its specialist consultants group for sports and leisure. Retains Chartered Marketer and Fellow status with CIM. In addition, one of only thirteen Assessors appointed by the National Lottery to evaluate such as business plans, feasibility, marketing, funding packages and projections in bids for grants. Since, worked for United Kingdom Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) again as Assessor on a specific funding regime.

Adrian’s roots are founded in the beautiful game though with capabilities and interests in other sports. The United Kingdom is our main ‘back yard’ but our Directors have firm footholds in Turkey, Romania and mainland Europe. However, our activities are truly global, with a wealth of connections – the envy of others.

Rachael Braide

Legal & Contracts

Rachel qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 and then spent 13 years as an Associate at one of the Region’s leading law firms before setting up her own practice.

She has acted for hundreds of clients, all over the Country, covering a wide range of issues and is also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Rachel has a particular interest in sports and is sponsor to several high profile clubs including football, rugby and volleyball.

Her team aims to provide a caring, professional service to Ballon’s clients.

She and her colleagues aim to provide clients with a caring, professional service.

Everybody is proud of both the amount of returning clients and recommendations that the business receives, from both local people and also from further afield.

Noteably, on some services Ballon and Rachael can offer a no win – no fee service and a no cost initial consultation.

Sandro Forte

Financial Welfare

Sandro Forte is the CEO of the Forte Financial Group, a broadly based financial planning and wealth management business. When Sandro started his career in 1989 he sought to ‘disrupt’ the financial services profession (which had long been considered a transactional one) by focusing on long-term client relationships and exceptional levels of service. Forte Financial Group was the first of its kind to create a Guaranteed Service Charter and has always provided initial advice and a full outline advisory report at it’s own cost; the philosophy has always been that in order to build enduring relationships with clients there needs to be initial investment into the process, high levels of client care and a commitment to better educate individuals so they become empowered which, in turn, allows them to make their own decisions with confidence.

Sandro specialises in working with other professional people, servicing the needs of their clients. All new clients come from personal introductions. Over the last decade Sandro has become heavily involved in working with sports stars, celebrities and high net worth individuals developing a reputation as being a very ‘safe pair of hands.’

Iwan Roberts

Financial Welfare

Head of Sedulo Sport.  It is an established firm of business advisers, accountants and wealth managers. Iwan has a track record in financial advice including having held positions with the Teachers Association and HSBC. Ballon has a sound working relationship with this Practice.  Its name is derived from the adjective ‘sedulous’, epitomising the work ethic, commitment and attention to detail it puts into each project to ensure the highest possible level of service.  In many ways mirroring our ethos.

Whether it is tax advice, assisting with testimonials or business and retirement planning he can advise at every step along the way. Direct, innovative and supportive in equal measure, the approach is widely commented on for being fresh, collaborative and personable.  A sporting individual’s career is usually less than half of their lifetime. We appreciate that upon sporting retirement an individual is faced with new challenges and goals to succeed.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

Phone:

0161 286 6564

Address:

Marion House,

18 Wilmslow Road,

Cheadle, Stockport

UK

SK8 1NE

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Ballon is a trading name of FC Sports Marketing Limited

Company Reg: 7355708

Registered Office: Marion House 18 Stockport Road Cheadle Stockport Cheshire SK8 1NE

.

Registered in England & Wales and a Company Registered: 11216685 named Ballon Sports Limited.

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