A LEADING public relations firm has joined the supporters of Southampton’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025.

Lee Peck Media, based in Ocean Village, joins a line-up which includes West Quay and the University of Southampton, to form the new Gateway Club.

The club was created to enable businesses to become ambassadors for the bid, which could be a key factor in the city’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. It is led by Southampton’s 2025 UK City of Culture Bid director Claire Whittaker.

The agency’s managing director, Lee Peck, said: “Winning the UK City of Culture Bid for 2025 would be a huge boost, not only for Southampton but for the Central South as a whole.

“For Lee Peck Media, creating prosperity is fundamental to the whole project, and putting our rich and vibrant city into the nation’s consciousness will be beneficial to everyone.

“The positives of winning are huge. Not only will it help to increase opportunities for our youngsters through more investment in education, but the job market will also significantly increase as more companies will want to move here.

"And we can’t forget that our retail and hospitality sector will also enjoy a much-needed boost – as more people will choose to visit the city.

“We are confident that Southampton can achieve this. When Hull became the UK City of Culture back in 2017, a report by Hull University found that its City of Culture status attracted more than five million people to the city, as well as £220million of investment and 800 new jobs. We are certain that Southampton could follow a similar, successful, pathway.”

Lee Peck Media has more than 30 years’ experience with regional, national and global brands.

It represents organisations such as the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Barratt Homes’ Southampton Division, cardiac charity Wessex Heartbeat and GO! Southampton, the city’s business improvement district.

Gemma Nichols, commercial and marketing director for Southampton’s UK City of Culture Bid, said: “Being part of the Gateway Club is the perfect platform for Lee Peck Media to show their support for our bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

“Not only is the team dedicated to supporting businesses within the city, they have also been heavily involved with clients with a strong cultural background including the Mayflower Theatre and St Mary’s stadium. We are so pleased to have them on board.”