What has full-service commercial law firm Gosschalks Solicitors in common with Andrew Marvell, Philip Larkin and Everything But the Girl? They’re all names proudly associated with the UK’s City of Culture 2017. The Hull firm was the legal sector’s representative among 20 ‘business angels’ pledging financial and practical support to the city’s successful bid, beating Dundee, Leicester and Swansea Bay.

Business development director Steve Savage told the Gazette that Gosschalks offered to provide legal advice on any issues pertaining to the 2017 programme and the run-up to it, on both a paid and pro bono basis. ‘The main reason we got involved is because we are exclusively based in Hull, but have a national client base. This is a great opportunity to promote the city on a national basis to change people’s perceptions of it.’

Savage admitted the city is often viewed as a cold backwater: ‘People tend to think it’s a bit dull in Hull.’ But he said the firm’s clients display the city’s famous fighting spirit. ‘They are resilient and have a strong work ethic. The City of Culture is an opportunity to get the city back on the map and showcase what’s good about it, including its architecture, marina and people.’

Topics