The charity that is running Hull’s 2017 City of Culture programme has welcomed Rollits as a partner.
Hull UK City of Culture 2017 was set up to deliver the Hull 2017 programme and has raised £32 million, with over 60 partners supporting the project, including public bodies, lottery distributors, trusts and foundations and local and national businesses.
As part of the partnership, Rollits has agreed to second a Trainee Solicitor to Hull 2017 for 18 months as well as providing a legal helpline service for the company.
Ralph Gilbert, the firms’s managing partner, said: “We are rooted in Hull and our partnership with Hull UK City of Culture 2017 allows us to play a small part in helping to deliver an amazing year-long festival of eclectic events throughout the year.
“This is our city and our heritage, and we are proud to be part of this transformational year, helping to make Hull a better place for the people who live and work here.
Gilbert added that the firm’s founding partners had played a major part in the development of the city and that Rollits saw 2017 as “a golden opportunity” for Hull to shine on the local, national and international stage.
Martin Green, CEO and director of Hull 2017, added: “With such strong and long-standing roots in Hull dating back to 1841, Rollits plays an integral part in the culture of the city so we are delighted to welcome them on board.”
Over the last 175 years, Rollits – which has a long tradition of its lawyers being actively involved in local charities, churches, schools and politics – has occupied various premises, all within a stone’s throw of each other in Hull’s old town.
Hull secured the title of UK City of Culture 2017 in November 2013. It is only the second city to hold the title and the first in England.
Divided into four seasons, the nationally significant event draws on the distinctive spirit of the city
and the artists, writers, directors, musicians, revolutionaries and thinkers that have made such a
significant contribution to the development of art and ideas.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sports has chosen the UK City of Culture every four years since 2010. Derry-Londonderry was the first UK City of Culture 2013 and Hull was selected as UK City of Culture 2017 in 2013. However, the Department is reviewing the timing of the next UK City of Culture competition as the UK is scheduled to host the European Capital of Culture in 2023.
Pictured (L-R): Steve Le Cornu, (Trainee Solicitor, Rollits) Liz Draper (Head of Corporate Partnerships, Hull 2017) Ralph Gilbert (Managing Partner, Rollits) Pat Coyle (Marketing Director, Rollits)
