It also heralds an end to the most successful era in the club’s history. Just a few months after striking a deal with Pertemps chairman, former Solihull player Tim Watts, the club were playing a Powergen Cup semi-final on live terrestrial television having already beaten London Wasps.

But relegation from National One last year has meant Bees have had to change their approach and off-field organisation with more focus on community schemes and borough-wide coaching programmes.

“We’ve set our sights on promotion and we’re restructuring, building foundations which we hope will propel us into the top flight of English club rugby” said Jo Kilby, a spokesperson for the club.

“As part of this refocus, we have a fully professional squad in place for the first time ever and we want to become much more involved in working in our community - so that we can build a strong sense of identity and involvement for current and potential partners and supporters.

“Playing under the name Birmingham & Solihull Bees will facilitate that ambition whilst increasing recognition as well as our profile and the profile of our home town and city.

“The Pertemps Group and in particular support from Chairman Tim Watts has been a crucial part of the Bees’ progress but all sports sponsorships come to a natural end and it’s time to move on. We’re making progress on our ground share proposals too, so a new era is beginning.”

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