Baker Tilly was one of twenty-two companies honoured earlier this week at the 35th Arts and Business Awards for their part in helping Hull win the 2017 City of Culture crown.

The Hull 2017 Angels won the Arts and Business New Sponsorship Award for their backing of Hull's bid to become City of Culture 2017. Collectively the businesses raised £374,000 in sponsorship, which was instrumental in persuading the judges to vote for Hull.

The event took place at London's BFI Southbank and was hosted by Classic FM broadcaster Margherita Taylor.

Commenting on all the award winners, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The winners of these awards are innovative partnerships that are not only inspiring cultural success, but unlocking the huge economic potential of the UK's art and culture sectors too. These winning partnerships are shining examples of the success that arts and business collaborations can bring to projects across the country".

Andy Capes (right), Office Managing Partner at Baker Tilly in Hull, who represented the firm at the awards event said: "It's a great honour to be associated with this award, which reflects the way in which the whole city, including its business community, came together to support the winning bid. Hosting the City of Culture 2017 will enable Hull to showcase its creative talent on the national and international stage, and contribute to the regeneration and future economic growth of the city and the wider region".

The other local companies who are Hull 2017 Business Angel sponsors include BP, Force-7, Hull Daily Mail, Hull Kingston Rovers, William Jackson Food Group, KC, Keepmoat, University of Hull, Spencer Group, The Deep, Vivergo, Wykeland Group, East Trans Haulage, Hull College Group, Gosschalks, F & T Vending, Nagra Properties, Neill & Brown Global Logistics, St Stephen's, Premier Galvanizing and Associated British Ports.