Since launching the journey to become UK City of Culture 2025, the bid has received outstanding support from Southampton’s business community.

Becoming UK City of Culture 2025 means a collaborative approach for the city.

Working in partnership with all of the bid’s partners is key to success.

After signing up as the bid’s first Premier Partner, Nick Parbutt, CEO and founder of full-fibre broadband provider toob, emphasised the company’s continued commitment.

The company also threw its full support behind the city’s winning ambitions and its campaign to showcase Southampton to the rest of the UK.

Nick said: “When you look at the wonderful mix of heritage, history and current vibrant and diverse culture, Southampton has a great deal to offer and a greater potential.”

He added: “UK City of Culture provides an opportunity to invigorate the city and show the real Southampton to the rest of the country.

“This will attract more people and businesses to establish themselves in the city and help realise this potential.

“If we can play a role in helping deliver this then it’s our honour to do so.”