Schofield Sweeney joins Bradford 2025 as an official partner, offering legal expertise and office space.
Bradford-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been named as the latest official partner of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, strengthening the district’s business support for the landmark year.
The firm joins a prestigious list of corporate sponsors, including Morrisons, Yorkshire Building Society, and PwC, as the city prepares to showcase its rich cultural heritage. Bradford 2025 is expected to generate a lasting impact on the region, with over 1,000 events celebrating the district’s diverse communities.
Schofield Sweeney has provided legal expertise and guidance to the Bradford 2025 team since 2020, and this support will continue throughout the City of Culture year as Bradford welcomes millions of visitors.
Beyond legal counsel, Schofield Sweeney has also provided a dedicated floor of office space in its Church Bank House premises. This secondary hub will accommodate the expanding Bradford 2025 team, supplementing the main headquarters at City Park.
Graham Sweeney, managing partner at Schofield Sweeney, said, “Bradford 2025 is a pivotal moment for Bradford. It has already ignited a spark, accelerating investment and regeneration projects that otherwise may not have been possible. This is a significant opportunity and at the core of it is placemaking. The more vibrant, attractive and appealing a place is, the greater the long-term impact on local businesses as more people want to live and work here. Culture adds vibrancy to the economy a whole, and it’s important for us to play our part in building confidence in Bradford from inside and outside of the district.”
Schofield Sweeney’s partnership also extends to its employees, who will have the opportunity to contribute their time through the firm’s dedicated volunteering days. They will join a network of 3,500 volunteers representing the district and promoting all that Bradford has to offer.
This commitment to the city’s cultural development builds on the firm’s history of supporting the arts, having previously backed initiatives such as the Little Germany Sculpture Trail, Kala Sangam, and Marcus Levine’s David Hockney installation. Schofield Sweeney also provides legal advice to numerous cultural and creative organisations, helping them navigate challenges and scale their operations.
Daniel Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, said, “Schofield Sweeney has been fantastic in their support, not only through expert legal advice but welcoming our team into their building – a true reflection of the district’s community spirit which also shines through its corporate sector.
“This year is about creating more prospects for people in Bradford, young people in particular. As our cultural sector grows – so too do opportunities in other industries that will support this growth including legal, admin, IT support and financial services.”
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is backed by public funding from HM Government, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the National Lottery, alongside private investment and corporate sponsorships.
Businesses and organisations interested in supporting Bradford 2025 can explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities by visiting www.Bradford2025.co.uk or contacting matthew.dakin@bradford2025.co.uk.
Pictured (L-R): Manjit Virdee, Graham Sweeney & Ann-Marie Keighley, Schofield Sweeney; Tope Adegoroye, Rachel Curtis & Dami Adetomiwa (Bradford 2025 volunteers) and Matthew Dakin, Bradford 2025.
Image credit: © Karol Wyszynski, provided by Schofield Sweeney
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.