A Redhill fine wine investment firm has popped the cork on a team-up with Birmingham City Football Club.

The club, nicknamed the Blues, has entered into a partnership with the UK’s fastest-growing fine wine investment specialist, Vin-X.

The firm, based in Brighton Road, Redhill, is engaged in a wide range of commercial activities with the Blues, including match day sponsorship of the local derby match versus Wolverhampton Wanderers recently on the Easter Bank Holiday.

The firm will also be hosting a wine investment forum later this month, sponsoring the club’s Player Awards 2013 dinner, and advising players on the investment options available to them.

The partnership between Vin-X and the npower Championship club came about through the Blues searching for a partner in the industry.

The fine wine market has enjoyed more than 10% growth since last November and is currently valued at approximately £2.5 billion globally.

Over the last 20 years, wine has seen an average 14.9% return on investment.

Emerging new consumers in the Far East and Russia, along with continued volatility in money markets, has resulted in a surge in demand for investment in fine wine.

Shaun Petafi, sales manager from Birmingham City, said: “We’re very excited to be working with Vin-X.

“It’s great to be introducing new brands and business sectors to the club. “So far the partnership has hit the ground running and we’re really looking forward to seeing it continuing to develop over the next few months.”

Peter Shakeshaft, chairman of Vin-X, said: “Birmingham City is a well-respected name in football. “We’re pleased to have joined forces with the club and hope the partnership will be the start of a long and fruitful relationship.”

He said: “Our team thoroughly enjoyed coming in to talk to the players about the wine investment industry, and we shall be hosting a similar discussion for some of the club’s other corporate partners later this month.

“We look forward to an on-going involvement with Birmingham City and are also proud to sponsor the club’s end-of-season player awards.

“What better way to reward the squad for completing a long season than with a glass or two of fine wine?”

Website: www.Vin-X.co.uk