A multi award-winning tourism attraction and education and conservation aquarium is aiming to hook the support of corporate big fish and minnows for a new business sponsorship scheme.
The Deep, which will mark its 20th anniversary next year, has already landed the support of a high profile neighbour for the initiative aimed at encouraging people to create a long-term partnership to protect the planet from Covid and other catastrophes.
Katy Duke, CEO of The Deep, said: “The impacts and challenges of Covid-19 have been felt across sectors, and for many, including us, will have long lasting implications. But it’s time to look to the future.”
The sponsorship programme offers businesses the opportunity to pledge support at four levels, from fish to jellyfish, stingray and turtle. Benefits increase at each stage and can include free tickets to The Deep and a promotional plaque which visitor figures indicate will be seen on average by 460,000 people a year.
A fifth level of support enables businesses to sign up as a shark for the opportunity to enjoy bespoke packages such as sponsoring particular exhibits and conversation activities or presenting events at The Deep.
Ms Duke said: “2020 actually helped to highlight the fragility of the environment and the intrinsic link it has to our own health. Floods, fires, hurricanes and a global pandemic erupting from the illegal wildlife trade have acted as brutal warning signs for us all. The climate is changing and biodiversity is dwindling, both as the result of human activity and impact but now is also the time to act to reverse these trends.
“It’s fantastic to see Governments beginning to prioritise these agendas and so many organisations and businesses ready to act. We will be remembered for our response to the current environmental crisis, and, no matter what size or business or organisation, we can all play our part in a sustainable future.
“The support we received from organisations and businesses during 2020 gave us real hope that the future can be bright. By working together, we can multiply up our efforts and actions to inspire individuals, educate the next generation of caretakers for planet Earth and contribute to efforts in the field now to save species and natural habitats.”
The Deep has developed strong links with the region’s business community since opening in 2022. The Deep Business Centre is home to around 40 businesses employing a total of nearly 200 people and the aquarium is established as an iconic venue for events including private corporate functions and awards dinners.
Among the business supporters of The Deep is Arco, the UK leader in health and safety equipment and services which is close to completing a purpose-built corporate headquarters near The Deep. Arco and The Deep formed a community partnership in summer 2020.
Richard Martin, Digital Director of Arco, said: “We all have a responsibility to look after the Earth we inhabit, and sustainability should be at the top of all businesses agendas.
“When the opportunity arose to support one of the nation’s leading education and cultural assets in The Deep, we jumped at the chance to show our colleagues and customers that we are keen to play our part in preserving the environment.
“We are both Hull-based organisations, so supporting such a worthy cause locally was a major attraction for us, as well as helping to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the outstanding education that The Deep offers.”
To find out more about supporting The Deep’s work please visit www.thedeep.co.uk/conservation/support-us/corporate-sponsorship
