Hull City of Culture 2017 Chair Rosie Millard has praised Spencer Group and other business “Angels” who supported the city’s successful bid.
The writer and broadcaster saluted the Hull 2017 Angels as she presented them with certificates as winners of the Arts & Business New Sponsorship Award, a national accolade earned for raising £374,000 in vital sponsorship.
Representatives of the Angels gathered at the Hull headquarters of Spencer Group, where they talked about plans for 2017 while enjoying panoramic views of the Humber and Hull city centre.
Ms Millard said business support was “absolutely critical” to cultural regeneration and added: “It is totally appropriate that Arts & Business has given you this award.
“The City of Culture cannot be funded by the public sector alone. It is for the public, but it has to have backing from the private sector, too
“We are so grateful and happy that you’re backing City of Culture, already to the tune of several hundred thousand pounds. Together, we can make this event into something that is a real game-changer.”
Spencer Group Chief Operating Officer Gary Thornton said: “We are proud to be one of the Angels and pleased that the funds pledged by the partner companies proved to be such a strong demonstration of support for the bid from the local business community.
“The award of City of Culture has had a tremendously positive impact on Hull’s image and significant investment is now being committed in the city in the run-up to 2017. This is such an exciting time for Hull.”
