Commonwealth Games England (CGE) is searching for a premier commercial partner to raise more funds to prepare for the 2018 Games in Australia’s Gold Coast.

It will be the first time in CGE’s 85-year history that the body has offered the opportunity for a brand to become its lead partner for a Games.

The partnership will include rights for the company’s name to precede Team England, and will allow access to athletes and coaches – potentially for advertising campaigns. Funds generated from the partnership will be ploughed back into athlete preparation.

“Team England at the Commonwealth Games is the best, most relevant and positive sports representation of England,” said chief executive Paul Blanchard. “Our team is diverse, inclusive, unique and very successful.”

Female Sports Group (FSG) has been appointed by CGE to help find commercial partners in the run-up to the Games. The organisation – set up in 2015 – works with sporting governing bodies to generate commercial revenues.

“FSG’s experience in delivering commercial supporters to sports organisations is strong and they fully understand the value that a partnership with Team England can bring to a brand,” added Blanchard.

Team England topped the medals table at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, with 174 podium finishes.