The recent evaluation of Hull’s UK City of Culture year suggests that there was a significant boost to the local economy, with positive impacts on jobs, businesses and increased investment. Key findings include:
- Almost 800 new jobs have been created in the visitor economy and cultural sector since 2013 and the projected value of tourism in 2017 is on track to contribute in excess of £300 million to the economy
- 1 in 4 businesses surveyed in Hull and East Riding took on new staff in 2017 and 1 in 5 businesses extended their opening hours. Over half of these businesses felt that 2017 had contributed to an increased turnover
- 64% of businesses who made an investment during 2017 said it was of a higher value as a result of UK City of Culture and 72% made this investment sooner than planned
- Funding for local cultural activity grew in the build up to 2017, with successful Arts Council England applications increasing by 346%
Fuller information on the evaluation of the City of Culture year is available here.
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