Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 took a leap forward with the announcement of toob becoming their first commercial partner. Southampton is the first city to benefit from toob’s full-fibre network, delivering speeds faster than the UK average. The news was announced at a virtual event, which outlined opportunities about how businesses can support the delivery of the bid and beyond. Although the event was virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions, key note speakers presented from Mayflower Theatre – one of the many jewels in Southampton’s cultural crown.

At the event businesses learnt about Southampton’s bid process to become UK City of Culture 2025 along with the opportunity to invest in the initiative over six years including a year of legacy. Businesses who become partners will be given huge profile in the city and the wider region and will have the opportunity to shape their involvement in line with their business objectives.

There is a lot to gain from becoming a UK City of Culture. When Hull was UK City of Culture in 2017 it added £300 million to their tourism market and up to £17 million gross value added to their local economy. Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, if successful, will look to deliver similarly substantial economic, social and cultural impacts.

Southampton’s UK of City of Culture 2025 bid team would like to hear from businesses of all sizes who are interested in benefiting from the range of partnership opportunities available. Businesses are asked to contact Gemma Nichols, Commercial Director and to visit the website www.southampton2025.co.uk for more information.

The announcement of toob as the first commercial partner for Southampton’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid leads on from previous city commitments such as their partnership with GO! Southampton. The partnership promotes toob as Southampton’s official broadband partner, in line with the business choosing the city as the first to benefit from its full-fibre network.

Claire Whitaker OBE, Southampton’s UK City of Culture Bid Director said; “Southampton is a diverse port city with an extremely rich cultural identity. It has been shaped over the centuries by international trade and the movement of people, making it overflow with stories and potential. I am looking forward to soon entering our period of consultation and engagement which will span across Southampton, to ensure that the bid programme is shaped by our people and our communities.

Bidding to become UK City of Culture 2025 provides us with an excellent opportunity to deliver huge social, cultural and economic benefits for the city that will last for years to come. I am so proud and privileged to be Director of the bid and I welcome businesses of all sizes to get involved.”

Nick Parbutt, Founder & CEO, toob, said: “The UK City of Culture will be a galvanising force that will drive Southampton forward and help it realise its potential. toob is delighted to be able to support the bid and shares the same belief in the future success of the City. Our £50 million investment into the City’s digital infrastructure will provide the communities in Southampton with access to world class connectivity that will be essential for individuals, businesses and communities to thrive. Culture has the power to inspire, to create a sense of belonging and pull communities together. Increasingly the creativity process is a combination of virtual and real experiences and we believe our network can support and enhance this process. We are very proud sponsors of Southampton’s bid.”

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