Hull has joined other elite cities and towns around the UK by securing a Purple Flag award in recognition of the safety, quality and diversity of our night-time economy.

HullBID is now working with partners who helped bring the award to the city by using the success to at tract interest and investment.

As par t of that process, HullBID City Centre Manager Kathryn Shillito has approached BID evening economy businesses to outline the opportunities presented by Purple Flag and to encourage people to display the logo.

Kathryn said: “Winning our bid to become a Purple Flag cit y is only part of the story. “It demanded a lot of hard work by all the organisations who came together to drive the process, but now we need to make it work.

“We aim to use our Purple Flag to get across the message that Hull has a lot to offer – and we will be doing that locally, regionally and nationally.”

The Purple Flag initiative is led by the Association of Town Centre Management, whose assessors made an inspection visit to Hull during the weekend of the Freedom Festival. They confirmed Hull’s success in October, and the presentation ceremony took place in November.

Hull’s campaign was led by a partnership including HullBID, Hull City Council, Humberside Police, Hull Citysafe and the Primary Care Trust. In order to achieve the standard, centres must demonstrate a range of activities, initiatives and services and offer residents and visitors a safe, entertaining and diverse night out.

The full Purple Flag assessment report shows that Hull exceeded the standard required in 17 out of 30 criteria studied by the inspection team and the accreditation panel which followed. The city met the requirements in the remaining 13 categories.

Philip Kolvin QC, Chairman of the Purple Flag Board said: “The initiative is hugely important for the communities who live there and for their visitors, as it continues to lead the way in showcasing how towns and cities can be celebrated as the very best locations for a fun, varied and safe night out for everyone.”

Kathryn added: “The scale of our achievement in securing Purple Flag status is emphasised by the fact that it has been awarded to only 36 centres around the UK, and only three in Yorkshire.

“We are delighted that the city has now gained this recognition, particularly as the decision was based on external assessment. We will make sure we fly the Purple Flag with pride.”

For more information, please visit: www.purpleflag.org.uk or contact HullBID on 01482 611888.