Local Employer Howdens Announces Sponsorship of Darts Player Charlie Manby

Here’s a story that’s just brilliant, really. It’s about a local lad from Huddersfield, a story of pure hard graft, talent, and a big break that’s so well-deserved. An up-and-coming darts player, who until recently was getting his hands dirty on building sites, has just landed a major sponsorship deal. On 5 March 2026, it was announced that Charlie “Champagne” Manby has officially teamed up with Howdens, the UK's number one trade kitchen supplier. This isn't just a company putting its name on a shirt; it’s a partnership that makes perfect sense, connecting a rising star with a business that supports the very trade he came from.

From building sites to the big stage

Everyone loves an underdog story, and Charlie Manby’s is the real deal. He’s not someone who’s been wrapped in cotton wool in a sports academy his whole life. He started playing darts like loads of kids do, just for fun, but it was clear early on that he had something special. In fact, his talent was spotted when he was just 12 years old. But a dream doesn’t pay the bills, right? So, until very recently, Charlie was juggling his passion for darts with his day job as a bricklayer. Imagine the dedication that takes – long, physical days working in the trade, then heading home to spend hours practising, perfecting his throw. It's that kind of work ethic that turns talent into success. This sponsorship with Howdens means he can finally hang up his trowel and focus 100% on playing darts, which is a massive moment for any aspiring professional player.

A record-breaking rise

When you talk about Charlie’s success, it’s not just a little bit of good luck. This player has been making serious waves in the world of professional darts. He’s been competing in events run by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), which is the absolute top tier of the sport. Think of it as the Premier League of darts. And in 2025, he did something truly incredible. While playing in a Development tour tournament, he recorded the highest ever 9-dart average of 130.7. Now, for anyone who isn’t a massive darts fan, that number might not mean much. But to put it in perspective, it’s practically perfect. It’s the kind of performance that makes even seasoned professionals stop and stare. To cap off an amazing year, he made his debut at the World Championships at Alexandra Palace—the biggest stage of all—and reached the Last 16. For a first-timer, that’s a massive achievement and shows he’s a player who can handle the pressure.

A perfect match: Howdens and a hometown hero

This is where the new sponsorship comes in. It’s a partnership that just fits. Howdens is a name that anyone in the building trade knows well. As a leading trade kitchen supplier, their customers are the electricians, plumbers, and, yes, bricklayers who build and improve our homes. So, for them to back a player who comes directly from that world is a natural connection. The sponsorship isn't just a logo on a shirt. It includes funding, event appearances, and tickets to see him play, giving Charlie the stability he needs to compete at the highest level. The support from Howdens and its many depots across the country is a huge vote of confidence in his future.

Conor Laville, Director of Marketing at Howdens, explained the thinking behind the move. He said,

“Charlie represents the next generation coming through, and he hasn’t forgotten where he started. Balancing his trade with competing at the highest level says a lot about his mindset. That work ethic mirrors the customers we support across the UK, and we’re pleased to be backing him at this stage of his career, and our depots across the UK will be cheering him on as he pushes on this season”.

Charlie himself is buzzing about the deal. He said,

“It’s brilliant to team up with Howdens, the team understands where I’ve come from and is known for backing the trade.”

More than just a kitchen supplier

So, who are Howdens? While they’re famous for their kitchens, they do a whole lot more. They provide a massive range of products for home projects, from stunning kitchen and bedroom collections to flooring and joinery. They have everything from budget-friendly options to fancy premium ranges. What’s really cool is that their kitchen cabinets are made in their own factories in the UK and come with a 25-year guarantee, which shows they’re built to last. For tradespeople, one of the best things about Howdens is that everything is in stock at their local depots, so there’s no waiting around. They have over 850 of these depots dotted all over the UK and Ireland, including over 40 in Yorkshire. On top of that, they have exclusive brands you can’t get anywhere else, including:

• Lamona appliances

• Oake & Gray flooring

• Fuller & Forge ironmongery

And it's not just for the trade. If you’re a homeowner thinking about a new kitchen, you can book a free design appointment to get ideas and see what’s possible. The team at their local depots can even help you find a trusted local tradesperson to do the job. It shows their commitment to the entire process, from design to installation.

What’s next for Charlie Manby?

This sponsorship with Howdens is a game-changer for Charlie. Having the backing of a major company means he can dedicate all his time to training and competing. He no longer has to split his focus between his career as a bricklayer and his dream of becoming a darts champion. This support will allow him to travel to more tournaments, get the best coaching, and really push to see how far he can go. With his incredible talent and down-to-earth attitude, the sky's the limit. The entire darts world will be watching, and you can bet that the teams at Howdens depots will be among his loudest supporters. It’s a fantastic new chapter for a player who started with a dream and is now, deservedly, living it.