DURHAM County Cricket Club and Liontrust, the specialist fund management company, have agreed an initial two-year partnership deal, which includes sponsorship of the Durham Jets, with the Liontrust brand appearing on the reverse of the Vitality Blast shirts, and the Emirates Riverside’s Family Zone.

Liontrust will support Durham CCC’s development of the women’s game and become the Women’s Academy sponsor.

Liontrust will also help to enhance the club’s community engagement through the Durham County Cricket Club Foundation and a new programme in Kenya.

The partnership extends Liontrust’s sponsorship in sport. The company has a partnership with Oxford United in football and sponsors the Telegraph’s Sporting Heroes and Total Football podcast, along with the It’s Your Money podcast.

Sir Ian Botham, chairman of Durham County Cricket Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be entering into a partnership with Liontrust. The deal brings together two strong organisations within their chosen fields and we’re excited to start developing a strategic relationship that will focus strongly around the club’s ambitions to develop Durham CCC’s work within the community and our family experience at the ground on matchday.

“In order for the club to move forward, we are keen to enhance our overall cricket experience for families, women and girls and children as we continue to grow our reputation.

“It is fantastic that we have been able to secure a mutually beneficial deal and we are delighted to have Liontrust as a partner for the next two years.”

Liontrust chief marketing officer Simon Hildrey said: “We have chosen to partner with Durham CCC because of the club’s fantastic track record of developing young cricketers into first class and international players.

“We have also been impressed by our shared values, including Durham’s commitment to community engagement and social change in the north-east of England. We have been particularly attracted by the opportunity to the support the development of women’s cricket.

“The partnership will allow Liontrust to reach a growing cricket fan base and therefore raise our profile and we’re excited to work with Durham closely over the next two years.”