When he agreed a three-year deal to become sponsor of the Main Stand at Huish Park in September 2022, few Yeovil Town fans could have predicted what would happen next with local businessman Martin Hellier.
Certainly not a name that this author (Dave here, hi!) had heard of in connection with the club prior to this but his Hellier Group business was well-known in the South Somerset community.
When they took over, what we/I knew about the man himself came from his business’ website which describes itself as having “a diverse investment portfolio” as well as an “unwavering focus on shrewd investment strategies, impeccable standards, and shared work ethic”.
It reported then to be valued at £50m – which has now risen to £75m – with annual revenues of £15m. In summary, it’s a pretty solid business as far as this amateur accountant can tell.
The Hellier Group owns the Yeovil Court Hotel, the building which houses the Fitness Yeovil gym on the Lynx Trading Estate and a has been involved in developing a number of properties in to Air BnB lets in the town. Anyone who has passed the Yeovil Court Hotel on West Coker Road cannot have failed to notice a major re-development job going on there.
When they took over as “Main Stand and Conference Centre Sponsor” less than a year ago, Martin Hellier said: “We are committed to supporting the local community and our long term relationship with Yeovil Town Football club does just that. The club has a long and proud history and we are very excited to be part of what we believe will be an exciting future.”
Speaking at that time, director Stuart Robins added: “We are very proud that Hellier Group have chosen our club as one their key marketing partners.
“Hellier Group are an ideal partner for us as they look to further develop their portfolio of businesses in the Yeovil area and we are looking forward to being part of that. We appreciate the commitment Martin has made, and we aim to provide increased exposure for the Group as we try to climb the football pyramid.”
Since that date, Martin Hellier’s name has become very well known to any Yeovil Town supporter with the businessman being vocal on his social media posts giving his views on the club, its ownership, dealings with South Somerset District Council (now Somerset Council) – and voicing his personal opinions on supporters.
He calls it “passion“, others call it “unprofessional” and, for this author, it’s a bit of both, but as as result, Martin Hellier is a Marmite character (other yeast extract products are available) among supporters.
Now we wait to see what Martin Hellier the football club chairman is like compared to his social media personality.
Totally support Martin’s takeover just as I would have Matt Uggla’s. Both have good intentions for YTFC and both want to see us back in the EFL. Just a shame about the Twitter fallout between them. It’s a shame they can’t work together. There’s no doubt Martin Hellier will be able to bankroll a promotion push from this league. He’s backing Cooper, I’m not so sure about that but very happy to be wrong. The squad building needs to start immediately. Martin is not only our new chairman but also a fan and that’s great! He’s also got the Yeovil Town holdings business too. I take my hat off to him.
Let’s hope this is the start of a brighter happier future.