A business which brought a touch of sparkle to last year’s Hull Fashion Week is to step up its sponsorship this year with an event which promises to be the jewel in the crown of the packed programme.
Hugh Rice jewellers will open its store in St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Hull, early on Wednesday, April 8, to host a free “Make Fashion Your Business” networking breakfast as the company looks to build on the success of a shared event last year.
Michael Rice, Chairman of the business, said feedback was so positive that they decided to put on even more of a show this year and help HullBID develop Hull Fashion Week into one of the main attractions of the City of Culture year in 2017.
Michael said: “We looked at Hull Fashion Week last year because we are a local firm and we have seen HullBID making great strides with its events as the City of Culture excitement builds.
“We wanted to be involved early and we dipped our toe in the water last year and got a great response so when the opportunity came again it was something we wanted to do.”
The details of the company’s presentation are still to be confirmed but Michael said they have plenty of options, from the origins of the business launched by his brother, Hugh, at a basement shop in George Street in 1971 to the work involved in exploring international jewellery markets to bring new products to a growing network of shops and customers.
Michael said: “Last year House of Fraser hosted the event and we presented some of our products. It was a great success and this time we’ll be in our own store and we’ll have more options.
“We can look at jewellery concepts from design to manufacture, showcasing our workshop at the back of the store and also looking at lifestyle and fashion products. We are very active in our pursuit of the next big things in jewellery and we are well represented at the international trade fairs, always looking for the emerging trends.”
Hugh Rice is also sponsoring the back of the stage at the Hull Fashion Week grand finale in Hull City Hall on Saturday April 11 and are co-sponsoring the volunteers’ shirts for the event.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said some sponsorship opportunities are still available for other parts of the Hull Fashion Week programme, which begins on Saturday April 4 and is being hosted by BBC weather presenter Keeley Donovan and Hull’s own northern rapper Luke Chambers, aka Nineties Boy.
Kathryn said: “Hull Fashion Week is now in its sixth year and is established as the region’s biggest style event, presenting a variety of opportunities for city centre businesses to showcase their products and their creativity.
“The week will feature demonstrations and displays from large and small businesses operating in the fashion sector, including Hull’s three main shopping centres, the major department stores, independent clothing retailers, hair salons and beauty parlours.
“We are very grateful to Hugh Rice for sponsoring Hull Fashion Week once again. We are delighted that their involvement last year was so rewarding and we hope their experience will encourage other companies to support us and share in the success of the event.”
The “Make Fashion Your Business” networking event is for BID member businesses and will take place at Hugh Rice, St Stephens on Wednesday April 8 from 7.30am to 8.30am. Tickets are free of charge but are limited to two per business. To register your interest please contact Francesca@hullbid.co.uk
For full details of the Hull Fashion Week programme visit www.hullfashion.co.uk