Head of culture company urges businesses to get on board

Pictured (from left) are Katy Fuller, Mike Williams, Kathryn Shillito and Chris Williams at the HullBID networking event.

CITY centre businesses were urged to “come along for the ride” as the new CEO of Absolutely Cultured outlined her plans for the future.

Katy Fuller told guests at the latest HullBID networking event that the company which evolved from the City of Culture Company is “here to stay as a permanent arts organisation.”

Buildings and streets will become part of the programme as Absolutely Cultured works to “bring the city centre to life” with the help of the volunteers, described by Katy as “an iconic human emblem.”

She said: “Our role is a producer of events. We will deliver three or four ambitious, high-quality events every year to bring people into the city and to excite the residents here. Sometimes the stuff we do disrupts the work of businesses a little, but we want you to come along for the ride and help to make things happen!”

Guests also heard from Mike Williams, an avionics engineer who reached the quarter-finals of Masterchef and has now formed Crackers Street Food with his brother Chris.

Mike shared some of the secrets from behind the scenes at Masterchef and told how his passion for food as a “hobby chef” developed to the point where Crackers has become a regular at the Hull Street Food Nights and is also catering for major functions.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “It was another fantastic gathering which gave BID members an insight into what the Absolutely Cultured team are planning in the long and short term and will also demonstrated the benefits of the Hull Street Food Nights.

“We’re grateful to everyone who attended, to the speakers who both have great stories to tell and to 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar for hosting the event.”

The networking event was the third in a series hosted by 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar to launch its corporate breakfast service, which offers specially-devised menus for businesses and their guests to enjoy at the restaurant itself or at their own premises.

Hull Kingston Rovers kicked off the programme when players from the club joined head coach Tim Sheens, club owner Neil Hudgell and Marc Hackney, a sponsor and director of the club.

Hull FC put forward a panel comprising owner Adam Pearson, former players Johnny Whiteley and Gareth Ellis and former Hull City and England footballer Nick Barmby – a passionate fan.

Deborah Spicer, Director of 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar, said: “The HullBID event came about as a result of the fantastic feedback we received from the business community, and we’re extremely grateful to both rugby clubs and to HullBID for helping us to attract such influential audiences.

“We have already been approached by some of the businesses which attended about catering for their events, whether in our restaurant or by using our mobile catering service to take the breakfast to their offices – something we already do with lunch and dinner.”