Arsenal centre backs past and present, Leah Williamson and Tony Adams, are the latest Gunners duo to get involved with the Arsenal Supporting Supporters series.
Inspired by player-business partnerships of the past, the series was kicked off by local pub The Tollington and Rob Holding. Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all also featured in adverts celebrating businesses in Islington this past year.
Speaking about the campaign, Arsenal CEO, Vinai Venkatesham said: “This is one of a number of ways we are trying to support the local community. After listening to the local businesses involved, it was clear there was one thing in particular they needed – awareness.
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"So, we got to work on creating a series of adverts in partnership with them which will hopefully ensure every Arsenal fan knows who they are and how they can use the brilliant services they offer.”
This time, Williamson and Adams have teamed up to support Buckenham Locksmiths, which is situated just around the corner from the Emirates Stadium on Blackstock Road. It's been the club's go-to lock and key provider since the Gunners were still at Highbury, and the club have now returned that favour by producing an advert promoting their services.
As the business started in 1959, Buckenham Locksmiths is the very epitome of a family-run profession, as described by fourth generation locksmith, Jack Romero: “My great grandfather, Arthur Buckenham, started the business in 1959. His daughter Jen and her husband Don – my grandma and grandad – then joined the business in 1970… just in time for Arsenal’s double! They are still working there today. As is my mum, Helen, and – since 2012, when I joined straight from school aged 16 – me too, so it really is a family business.
“We’re all big Arsenal fans,” said Mr Romero, proudly. “We have always done quite a lot of work for Arsenal and we’ve always loved having a relationship with the club.”
Like so many businesses, Buckenhams has been impacted by the unfortunate circumstances of the pandemic. Mr Romero is therefore incredibly thankful for the Gunners' help after what's been a difficult period to overcome: “The pandemic has been tough for us – like the majority of businesses,” he added. “We opened for a couple of days a week for some specialist work we could still generate but ultimately, if it hadn’t been for the furlough money, I’m not sure how we would have coped.
“We’re really thankful to Arsenal to be involved in this project – it’s a dream come true to be honest.”
To top it off, the Buckenhams' video features centre-halves from both the men's and the women's team - past and present - in Williamson and Adams, something Mr Romero and his family were extremely pleased about.
“We love the association with Arsenal Women. Like a lot of football fans, I didn’t follow the women’s game closely but over recent years, the fact that it’s now easier to find on TV and all over the media means I now watch the game – and Arsenal in particular of course. I love how we are one of the real superpowers of the game and the fact there will be 20,000 fans at the Tottenham game – including me – says it all really.”
