There’s more to Hull than meets the eye

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I trust the writer of the diary article about Wolff Olins (MW July 24) has visited Hull and is writing from a position of first-hand experience.

On entering Hull along the Clive Sullivan Way (named after one of the most famous names in Rugby League in the Seventies), under the approach to the Humber Bridge (the longest single suspension bridge in the world) and into the old town centre, past the new marina complex, one reaches the old high street.

Along here is Wilberforce House, a museum dedicated to the person held largely responsible for the abolition of slavery in the UK.

On the same street is the famous Black Boy pub where slaves were originally auctioned. Not far away in Victoria Square is the maritime museum, dedicated to the history of Hull as both a famous fishing port, before the boffins in government conceded the UK rights to Europe, and the old whaling industry. Also in the square is Ferens Art Gallery (yes, Hull has an art gallery as well as a well-supported theatre) donated to the city by the family connected to Reckitt & Colman (not mentioned in the article but a major training ground for UK brand marketers).

If you’re hungry, pop into any local fish and chip shop or restaurant for a gigantic helping of haddock and chips and if you need to make a phone call use the distinctive local call boxes that provide one of the lowest rental/call charges in the UK.

How do I know this? I was born in Hull, I worked at Reckitt & Colman marketing such brands as Mr Sheen, Harpic and launching Dettox nationally. I moved to Crown Paints marketing Crown Solo picking up an advertising effectiveness award and a worldwide Star Pack award.

I now work for Fort Sterling, marketing Nouvelle, recently confirmed as the UK’s fourth fastest-growing grocery brand. How have I achieved this? Through my extensive training at Reckitt & Colman in Hull and having the privilege to work in the North with quality marketers who do their research well and present their arguments based on fact!

Steve Duncan

Group marketing director

Fort Sterling

Lancashire

Thank you for informing us about the pubs, chip shops and toilet cleaners. Clearly there’s nowt dull about Hull – Editor.