East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council are supportive of the recently announced proposal to create a pan Humber group led by the private sector, working alongside the Humber Leadership Board, to focus on strategic growth across the Humber region.
The Humber region already contains a nationally and globally significant cluster of energy businesses focused on the energy transition to net zero alongside leading global firms in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
The region has the potential to grow significantly, attracting foreign investment particularly in green energy related industries. This will support the decarbonisation of existing sectors and also help position the UK as a leading global player in the development of green energy and carbon capture and storage.
Growth of new sectors and the transition of existing will also complement plans for physical and social regeneration in towns/cities across the region helping to contribute towards Levelling Up.
Opportunity Humber would work alongside existing and any new structures and governance introduced in the region, including any proposed changes through future devolution. It would not supplant or replace any existing structures but provide a space for the private sector to play a greater role in supporting the growth of the region. This would primarily be through additional support and leadership to complement and add value to the work of existing local authorities.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “As local authorities, it is important to support the potential of Opportunity Humber and to see the private sector take a stronger role in regional growth and economic development.
“There are plenty of exciting possible areas of focus for Opportunity Humber to make a lasting impact in our region and we would very much look forward to working as a collective with the group. Hull and East Riding has the potential to grow significantly, attracting significant investment in green energy related industries – a priority issue for us as a local authority.”
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, added: “We are pleased that government are supporting Opportunity Humber to develop a strong business-inspired and led initiative across the Humber, alongside the voice of the local authorities. This will mean our region can benefit from the combined support of some of our largest international businesses so we can capitalise on their expertise, have a louder collective voice both nationally and internationally, and maximise on the potential of our region.
“Recognising that it’s our businesses that create jobs, invest in our region, grow our economy and drive up the prosperity of our residents, we look forward to working with the group to deliver for our region.”
