Dundee Culture announces biggest-ever sponsorship agreement with Colin M Smith
Dundee Culture has secured the biggest sponsorship agreement in its 13-year history, joining forces with established family electrical retailer Colin M Smith in a major milestone for the independent local media platform.
The agreement will see the two Dundee businesses work together on a range of editorial features, digital content and promotional activities, while supporting Dundee Culture’s continued growth and development.
Colin M Smith, a third-generation family business with a long history in Dundee, recently returned to the city with a new showroom on the Hawkhill following around a decade away.
The sponsorship brings together two businesses with strong local connections and a shared interest in celebrating Dundee, its people and its business community.
A major milestone for Dundee Culture
Founded in 2013 by Andrew Batchelor, Dundee Culture has grown from a small passion project into an established independent digital media platform, covering local news, heritage, culture, events, developments and community stories.
Over the past 13 years, the platform has developed a substantial audience across its website and social media channels, helping showcase Dundee to audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
2026 has already been a landmark year for Dundee Culture, marked by award recognition, significant achievements and the platform surpassing 400 million cumulative visits.
The latest sponsorship agreement with Colin M Smith builds on that momentum, providing another major milestone in what has become one of the most significant years in the publication’s history.
The new agreement with Colin M Smith represents the largest sponsorship secured by Dundee Culture since its launch, marking another significant step in the publication’s commercial development.
The sponsorship will also help support further investment in Dundee Culture, including opportunities to expand its audience, strengthen its digital presence and continue developing original local content.
Bringing the Colin M Smith story to life
As part of the agreement, Dundee Culture will work closely with Colin M Smith to explore the history, people and stories behind the family business.
Planned content includes original editorial features, behind-the-scenes coverage, short-form video and opportunities for audience engagement, including a competition.
A particular focus will be placed on Colin M Smith’s history as a third-generation retailer, its connection to Dundee and the decision to return to the city with its Hawkhill showroom.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities to highlight the expertise and personal service associated with independent electrical retail, alongside relevant seasonal activities and developments within the business.
Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising, the sponsorship will combine local storytelling with carefully planned promotional content across Dundee Culture’s digital platforms.
Building on 13 years of showcasing Dundee
Andrew Batchelor, Founder of Dundee Culture, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce Colin M Smith as Dundee Culture’s newest sponsor, and even more delighted that this represents the biggest sponsorship agreement in the platform’s history.
“When I started Dundee Culture back in 2013, I could never have imagined how far it would come. What began as a passion for showcasing my home city has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of, and securing an agreement of this scale is another exciting milestone.
“What makes this sponsorship particularly special is that Colin M Smith has such a strong connection to Dundee. It’s a family business with generations of history behind it, and its return to the city presents a fantastic opportunity to tell some really interesting stories.
“I’ve always believed that the strongest partnerships are built around content that people genuinely want to read, watch and engage with. That’s exactly what I hope to achieve with Colin M Smith.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Jonathan and everyone at Colin M Smith for their support and confidence in Dundee Culture. This agreement will help support the platform’s continued development, and I’m really looking forward to what can be achieved together.”
Looking ahead
The sponsorship forms part of Dundee Culture’s wider ambitions to develop sustainable commercial relationships with local businesses and organisations while maintaining its independent editorial approach.
By combining original storytelling, community engagement and carefully planned promotional activity, Dundee Culture aims to provide meaningful exposure for sponsors while continuing to deliver content that interests its audience.
Dundee Culture’s permanent mission remains unchanged: Showcasing Dundee to the world.
