Smith and Nephew backs Hull UK City of Culture campaign

Smith and Nephew has been selected as a major partner for Hull's UK City of Culture campaign for 2017.

Hundreds of Smith and Nephew employees based at its Hessle Road site recently took part in celebrations to mark the news, during which they heard a talk from Martin Green, director of Hull 2017, and created a human mosaic incorporating both logos.

A number of cultural events will be held in Hull throughout the year, and the company will be making efforts to engage its staff with these celebrations. It is one of a number of businesses with local affiliations that have agreed to support the campaign.

Smith and Nephew was founded in Hull in 1867, originally starting life as a small pharmacy. It has grown into one of the world's largest medical technology firms, with more than 15,000 employees worldwide.

Its site in Hull manufactures world-leading wound management products and recently underwent a 50 million pound investment and refurbishment.

Olivier Bohuon, chief executive officer of Smith and Nephew, said: "Supporting the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 is a significant opportunity to reinforce our close links with the community that founded our global company, to contribute to a lasting legacy that will raise the profile of this region."