NGI teams up with Hairy Biker Si King in bid to aid economic recovery

One half of the Hairy Biker cooking duo, Si King, is set to voice a new promotional campaign from NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI).

King, from Kibblesworth, is to narrate a series of short films which form part of a wider project to promote local, independent food and drink businesses.

The project aims to help those local businesses recover from economic losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

A series of short films under the banner name A Taste of Gateshead, has King introduce viewers to diverse food and drink businesses in five separate films.

Each film goes on to tell their own stories of how the businesses were founded, what visitors can expect and where the local food and drink can be found.

Ian Thomas, Destination Director with NGI, said: “The food and drink sector is a hugely important and staple part of the visitor economy in NewcastleGateshead, making up more than a third of visitor spend, and this campaign is part of the city’s commitment to supporting the sector and promoting our independent and diverse businesses such as those highlighted in the new films.

“This series of films is just one aspect of a campaign funded by Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council that NGI is leading and is a vital contribution in support of the visitor economy.

“The campaign has also focused on delivering and distributing brand-new content to shine a light on our food and drink offer, as well as hosting a series of travel writers and influencers.”

Hairy Biker King said: “It’s such a pleasure to be involved with the project. It’s important to communicate the amazing produce, producers and hospitality we have in Gateshead and Newcastle.

“We should be rightly proud and it’s up to us in the North East to tell the nation about it and anyone who stands still long enough to listen. I’m always proud to welcome people to my home cities because I know they’ll have a really good time.

“It’s what we do and we do it like no one else in the country.”