BRADFORD Bulls last night announced a “substantial” shirt sponsorship deal with Bristol Street Motors.

The latest ‘An Evening with the Bulls’ event at the Provident Stadium saw a number of new club initiatives revealed as well as the 2015 squad numbers.

Chairman Marc Green and chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul addressed over 400 fans as it was announced that membership for the 1863 Members Club had hit 3,004, not including corporate season-ticket members.

The one-year package with car dealership firm Bristol Street Motors, who have a branch off Thornton Road in Bradford, will see their branding appear on the left sleeve of the club's home and away playing shirts in 2015.

The Bulls’ commercial manager Rob Parker, who has helped to drive a 300 per cent increase in commercial activity for the club, said: “We are thrilled to have such a huge name in Bristol Street Motors on board with us.

“In my view, the partnership is an indicator of the growing confidence in the Bradford Bulls brand.

“Bristol Street Motors join some extremely notable names in supporting the club in 2015 and beyond, which is absolutely crucial for us.

“The Bulls are synonymous with success, value and honesty and there is a market for businesses, both local and national to join us on our journey back to Super League.

“Building partnerships with businesses is integral to the progression of any club and this latest deal is another sign of the growing optimism around the city.”

Bristol Street Motors general manager Graeme Dickens added: “We are pleased to be on board with the club.

“The Bulls are looking to get back into the big time and we are looking forward to being a part of that.

“For us here in Bradford it was one for ourselves to get into working in the community. The Bulls have a big following and rugby league is huge in this area.

“We want to increase our impact among local people and, by working with the Bulls, we can believe we can generate business for both the club and ourselves.”

Supporters were given an update on the club’s finances and informed of a range of new initiatives, such as Bulls TV, an in-house television station, while a new club website will also be launched.

Hunter-Paul said an increasing number of decisions were being made to “put supporters at the forefront of our decision-making”.

The club are also launching ‘Bulls Bet’, a new betting service for Bradford fans, while there will also be a Family Zone at Odsal on matchdays.

A number of services previously outsourced, such as stewarding and the kiosks on the stadium’s concourses, are being brought back in-house.

Furthermore, there are plans are place to renovate and redevelop parts of Odsal, including the building of a new retail store, while ‘The Big One’ lottery has grown in membership from 591 to over 3,300 in less than six months.

The club’s workforce has doubled since the change of ownership last March, while Green spoke confidently about a bright future as the Bulls seek promotion.

Green said: “The vibe from the terraces has strengthened month on month since we took over last March and that’s because of the transparency, clarity and honesty with which we have run the club. We aim to ensure that continues.”