City of Culture chief delivers “buy local” pledge to businesses
The head of Hull’s new City of Culture company pledged that priority will be given to local businesses and local workers as the organisation puts together its plans for the milestone year.
Martin Green, who was appointed as Chief Executive of the company in October, said every effort will be made to source staff, supplies and services from in and around the Hull area. He added that where his team have to look further afield, they will urge suppliers to recruit from the local area and to consider opening a local site.
Martin was speaking to representatives of city centre businesses at a networking event organised by HullBID. The session was part of a series of speeches timed to commemorate the anniversary of the announcement which confirmed Hull as the 2017 UK City of Culture.
More than 50 businesses attended Hull History Centre for the event, which was sponsored by Hull-based QualitySolicitors Lockings. Managing Partner Richard Allen said his priority for 2017 is to make sure businesses are prepared for any legal risks.
In particular Richard warned that additional recruitment to cope with rising demand for products and services in the build-up to 2017 should be approached with care. He added that partnership deals which emerge as businesses seek innovative ways of building capacity should be agreed properly.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “The attendance of so many people underlines the level of excitement and anticipation as we look forward to City of Culture, as does that fact that we were able to secure sponsorship for the event.
“The role of HullBID will be to continue our work as a conduit, connecting with City of Culture, Hull City Council and other organisations to help city centre businesses make the most of the opportunities which will arise, starting now and continuing beyond 2017.”
Martin Green said that the Culture Company was committed using local suppliers wherever possible – but asked businesses to be patient whilst the detailed plans for 2017 are being developed.
“We are going to use the procurement process to leverage local contracts. If we can find what we need we will buy it here. If we can’t find it here we will buddy-up businesses. If it is nowhere to be found then we will ask people who they will employ here and where they will open a local office.
“There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Hull and I know many businesses are already starting to think about how they can make the most of 2017.  At this stage, I would ask them to be patient.  We have a lot of work to do to ensure we get the preparations right and I don’t want to see a lot of businesses creating resources that we won’t need.
“Once we have done the planning, we will let businesses know the detail and it will be easier for them to see the many exciting opportunities they will have to get involved.”

City of Culture chief delivers “buy local” pledge to businesses
The head of Hull’s new City of Culture company pledged that priority will be given to local businesses and local workers as the organisation puts together its plans for the milestone year.
Martin Green, who was appointed as Chief Executive of the company in October, said every effort will be made to source staff, supplies and services from in and around the Hull area. He added that where his team have to look further afield, they will urge suppliers to recruit from the local area and to consider opening a local site.
Martin was speaking to representatives of city centre businesses at a networking event organised by HullBID. The session was part of a series of speeches timed to commemorate the anniversary of the announcement which confirmed Hull as the 2017 UK City of Culture.
More than 50 businesses attended Hull History Centre for the event, which was sponsored by Hull-based QualitySolicitors Lockings. Managing Partner Richard Allen said his priority for 2017 is to make sure businesses are prepared for any legal risks.
In particular Richard warned that additional recruitment to cope with rising demand for products and services in the build-up to 2017 should be approached with care. He added that partnership deals which emerge as businesses seek innovative ways of building capacity should be agreed properly.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “The attendance of so many people underlines the level of excitement and anticipation as we look forward to City of Culture, as does that fact that we were able to secure sponsorship for the event.
“The role of HullBID will be to continue our work as a conduit, connecting with City of Culture, Hull City Council and other organisations to help city centre businesses make the most of the opportunities which will arise, starting now and continuing beyond 2017.”
Martin Green said that the Culture Company was committed using local suppliers wherever possible – but asked businesses to be patient whilst the detailed plans for 2017 are being developed.
“We are going to use the procurement process to leverage local contracts. If we can find what we need we will buy it here. If we can’t find it here we will buddy-up businesses. If it is nowhere to be found then we will ask people who they will employ here and where they will open a local office.
“There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Hull and I know many businesses are already starting to think about how they can make the most of 2017.  At this stage, I would ask them to be patient.  We have a lot of work to do to ensure we get the preparations right and I don’t want to see a lot of businesses creating resources that we won’t need.
“Once we have done the planning, we will let businesses know the detail and it will be easier for them to see the many exciting opportunities they will have to get involved.”