Success of Bradford 2025 goes beyond the impressive numbers: Claire Needham
More than 1.1 million people had experienced Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture projects by the half way point, according to organisers of the year of celebration.
More than 17,500 students and school children from 13 different cities have attended events, 500 local artists and organisations have been involved and 2,000 volunteers have given their time freely to make the celebration such a success.
Estimates from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport when Bradford was first named UK City of Culture suggested that there will be a visitor spend of nearly £140 million in the local economy over the course of the year.
It also estimated that increased cultural and economic activity could bring an extra £700 million of growth for the Bradford district by 2030.
At Azets, as a UK top 10 accountancy firm and international advisory group, you may expect us to focus on the numbers but we know that that there is much more to City of Culture than that.
We are proud to be a sponsor of Bradford 2025, bringing arts and business together in the community where many of our clients and staff live and work.
With offices in Grammar School Street, we have deep roots in the city where our business was previously known as Naylor Wintersgill, which continues to be led by Victoria Wainwright as office managing partner.
Like other Azets offices in York, Leeds and around the UK we are committed to improving the lives of our clients, colleagues and communities in a sustainable way.
That means supporting community initiatives as well as helping local businesses to grow and drive the local economy.
For us, culture and business are a partnership that go hand in hand and are reliant on each other – whether that’s in the supply chain, attracting employees or generating wealth for spend in the local area.
In addition, our team in Yorkshire has had great fun in embracing the celebratory year, from events volunteering and client art exhibition viewings, to our very own ‘portrait’ competition!
The business community, with its entrepreneurial flair, positivity and passion for Bradford, is an integral part of the city in all its culture, diversity and history.
It is a privilege to play our part in Bradford 2025 and support the creation of a lasting legacy for the city and its people.
As we look forward to coming events and activities this autumn, great credit must go to organisers at the Bradford Culture Company and all involved for putting the city on the map nationally and internationally as one of the best places in which to live, work and do business – whatever the numbers, the value of that is priceless.
As we head towards the final few months of events, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reflected: "Bradford 2025's closing season perfectly captures what makes this UK City of Culture so special - stories told by local people, celebrating the rich heritage and diverse communities that define Bradford.
"This programme demonstrates how culture can transform places and bring communities together while putting local voices at the heart of cultural celebration.”
Claire Needham is Azets’ Regional Managing Director for Yorkshire