Business Angels aiming to build support for region’s cultural offer

A partnership which brings together investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders is stepping up its campaign to support arts and culture in Hull after playing a pivotal role in the city’s latest festival success.

Hull Business Angels is exploring ways to build its membership and extend its reach, with existing members highlighting the potential benefits for the wider East Yorkshire region in terms of place, skills, culture and enterprise.

The organisation held a follow-up meeting within days of the lights going down at Humber Street Sesh, where it sponsored the main stage and has provided a lifeline for the event over the last 10 years.

Elise Witty, Communications and Sponsorship Manager at Humber Street Sesh, said: “Our 2026 event was everything we hoped it would be – a brilliant celebration of music, creativity and community, with thousands of people coming together to enjoy artists from Hull, across the UK and overseas. The atmosphere across the Marina was incredible and showed Hull at its very best.

*We genuinely couldn’t have made it happen without the incredible support of Hull Business Angels, who have backed The Sesh since 2017 and made this year’s main stage possible. Alongside our amazing partners, sponsors and Hull City Council, their belief in what we do has helped us overcome the challenges of securing funding as a Community Interest Company this year. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped keep The Sesh alive." 

The Business Angels came together in 2013 as the catalyst for business support for Hull’s UK City of Culture 2017 bid, which was announced as the winner later that year. 

As 2017 ended, the commitment was continued by various businesses and has also embraced other events, including helping Hessle Theatre Company to present its productions on the big stage at Hull New Theatre.

The current line up comprises RSM UK, Neil and Brown, Andrew Jackson Solicitors, North Atlantic Fish, John Good Group, Future Humber, F&T Vending, Keepmoat and City Wide Partnership.

Phil Withers of RSM UK, founder members of the Business Angels, said the group recognises that strong places attract talent, investment, visitors, entrepreneurs and future employees.

He added that representatives of the Business Angels are now following up with their own contacts to try and develop the existing network and champion place-making, connect businesses with culture and education and support projects that promote Hull and the East Riding.

Phil said: “We were delighted to support another successful Humber Street Sesh. We know the festival faced real challenges this year, and it was undoubtedly the intervention of the business community that helped it over the line.

“Events like Sesh are vital to Hull's cultural life and economic vibrancy. Hull Business Angels is committed to growing its membership and becoming a stronger voice for business-led support of the arts, helping to ensure events like this continue to benefit the city for many years to come."

Emma Hardy, the MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, said the Business Angels offers a route for other organisations to support Humber Street Sesh and other cultural events across the region.

She added: “The Business Angels network is already in place and is something we can build on. Employers increasingly recognise that a creative workforce is a real asset and the best places to live, work and invest have strong businesses, skilled people and a vibrant cultural and community offer.”