THE chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society has told of her excitement at Bradford being 2025 UK City of Culture – after the organisation was unveiled as a major supporter of the upcoming celebration.
The 160-year-old society, which has its head office on Yorkshire Drive in the city, has announced it will work with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture bosses over three years to help support their aim of increasing job opportunities and skills across the district.
Susan Allen, chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “As a mutual, we are committed to the communities we support and, as one of the oldest organisations in Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society is proud to support Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
“We’re committed to investing in Bradford, our heartland, to improve skills, employability and, ultimately, financial well-being for all our communities – and the City of Culture will bring opportunity, pride and optimism to the area.
“The City of Culture will not only celebrate what a uniquely vibrant, young and diverse city Bradford is, but also bring inward investment which will boost the local economy, create opportunities for people within our community to learn new skills and create a more prosperous future.”
Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, added: “I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, a Bradford-based organisation that works nationally, that shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the UK.
“As we approach Bradford 2025, this partnership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the next generation not only experiences the transformative power of culture but also sees it as a pathway to their future.
“Together, we’re not just planning a year of events – we’re opening doors for young people across our city and the UK, inspiring them to dream big and realise that their future can be built right here in Bradford.”
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture promises to be a celebration of Bradford, its cultures and its people.
The first part of the programme for next year will be revealed at 7.30pm in just over a week, on September 12.
A spokesperson from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture said: “Expect awe-inspiring events, world-class partnerships, culture for all, and, of course, Bradford in the spotlight.
“It’s our time – and we’ve started the countdown to an electrifying year.”
