Business community marks 50 years of Hull Truck Theatre

CELEBRATING CULTURE: James Rodwell and Mark Babych on stage at Hull Truck Theatre

Marketing Humber has welcomed back its dedicated network of Bondholders to its first fully in-person breakfast event since 2020.

The event took place at Hull Truck Theatre and celebrated 50 years of the city’s key cultural venue.

A strong turn-out of over 100 attendees representing a broad cross-section of businesses across the region came to the theatre to catch up, network and learn more about the impact, success and future of Humber culture, sport, and tourism.

The event, titled Culture in Play: The power of art, sport and tourism, featured a line-up of speakers including Patricia Yates, Deputy CEO of VisitBritain; Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre; James Rodwell, CEO of Hull City; David Gent, CEO of Active Humber, and Chris Boardman MBE, Chair of Sport England.

Opening the event, Bill Walker, Chair of Marketing Humber, said: “It is great to be back. Thank you to our Bondholders for their support and encouragement over the last two difficult years.

“We’re looking forward to working together as we continue to put Hull and the Humber on the map. Culture touches all our lives in ways that last a lifetime, here’s to the next 50 years of Hull Truck Theatre.”

Hull Truck Theatre sponsored and hosted the event, and Mark told the story of the venue’s 50-year history, with a look forward to the next 50 years.

‘GREAT TO SEE PEOPLE OUT’: Patricia Yates

“When I think about our journey and the many people that have led us to this point, it’s remarkable,” he said; “We're all extremely proud and want this to continue for the next 50 years. It is a valuable cultural asset that improves everybody’s lives

“In the future we want to widen access and attract new audiences, remaining a creative hub for the city that is open and accessible to all.”

Patricia travelled to Hull to share a national perspective on the positive impact and future opportunities of digital, culture, media and sport businesses.

She said: “Walking around Hull last night it was great to see people back out and enjoying themselves after lockdown.

“The synergy of a good place to visit overlaps into a good place to live, invest and work. That sense of placemaking delivers dividends and welcomes international visitors too.”

The topic turned to sport as James introduced himself to the local business community. Speaking about Acun Illicali’s vision for the club, he said: “The football club has undergone a transition. It was one of the quickest takeovers I have ever seen.

“Acun fell in love with the region and the people, and immediately decided he wanted to buy the club, such is his determination. One of the most exciting parts of my job is that we have inherited great people and the challenge is to blend cultures, the Humber with the Bosphorus in Turkey.”

‘REMARKABLKE JOURNEY’: Mark Babych

Chris gave a video message to delegates, and said: “Sport is the glue that holds all the society-enriching stuff, such as healthy ways of dealing with stress, improved self-esteem and being a part of something bigger, together. That’s why it is something really worth investing in.

“My sport of cycling has the unique potential to change a nation in more ways still by giving all of us the means to leave the car at home. That’s my mission; to create a partner agency to Sport England – Active Travel England – to ensure everyone in the country has the choice to travel under their own steam.

“I hope I can count on your support in telling your local representatives that this is the kind of world we want to build.”

David presented on the economic benefits of having an active population. He said: “If physical activity were prescribed, it would be considered a miracle drug.

“The argument for physical activity is wide-ranging and can protect us against a wide range of illnesses. Meanwhile, community sport alone contributes £20bn to the UK economy. Inactivity is costing the taxpayer £60bn a year. We need your help to get us active.

“Together we can deliver that sustainable economic growth. If we can get all journeys under 2km to be active, the air would be so much cleaner, and our regional economy would feel the benefits.”

To find out more about becoming a Marketing Humber Bondholder, visit marketinghumber.com/join-us.