As usual, it’s been a busy month of events in York and I’ve enjoyed being part of Venturefest, the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and, the Hiscox topping out ceremony.

I couldn’t agree more with Chamber of Commerce chair Suzanne Burnett that we have ‘optimism, determination and confidence’ in abundance here in York.

We’ve also recently welcomed the announcement that York Archaeological Trust successfully led a bid for an Arts Council England grant, which will inject £100,000 into boosting the city’s evening economy over the next two years.

Add to this York’s UNESCO status, the creation of Make it York, the Council’s plans to create a national centre for the digital and creative community. No matter where I go in York, there is a strong undercurrent of positivity and a real sense of opportunity.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Hiscox arrival has been a catalyst for change. The creation of the iconic building that will house the new headquarters of Hiscox is a brilliant example of contemporary architecture which the city can be proud of. There will be opportunities for people in our city to work for a global business, at an international level.

What has also impressed me is the way York has embraced Hiscox, and the way that that the business has already embedded itself into the fabric of the city.

Members of the Hiscox team have worked closely with City of York Council and the York Civic Trust to ensure that their presence in York is a positive one, reflecting not just our history but our future.

Hiscox has also been proactive in providing support to our business community including sponsorship, inspiring our students and graduates and creating opportunities for new collaborations.

This forward looking, visionary approach was echoed by Marcus Romer, who gave a brilliant speech at the Venturefest dinner that, for me, embodied the spirit of optimism and the importance of moving forward.

Speaking about the successful UNESCO bid and what it means for York, Marcus took us back to the 13th century when work started on York Minster, with the aim of creating ‘the greatest cathedral in the kingdom’: “Imagine what was going on in people’s minds back then,” he said.

“That is one heck of a vanity project. But just look at what the Minster continues to bring to the city today.”

The message is clear: we must move forward. And we’re in a fantastic position to do it. I think this is going to be a brilliant year for York. There is so much goodwill in the city, a real will to make something incredible happen and some brilliant, creative business minds. Pull all of this together, and we will truly be a force to be reckoned with.

- Fay Treloar