Leaders from across the public and private sectors have come together to shape the future of the Humber region, with a focus on boosting investment, skills, and long‑term economic growth.
Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, joined senior business leaders and partners at a key session of the Humber Leadership Exchange, hosted by Future Humber, to explore new opportunities for regional collaboration.
The session brought together representatives from local government, industry, and regional organisations, all committed to building a stronger and more connected Humber economy. Discussions centred on how greater collaboration can help to improve skills development and workforce readiness, strengthen infrastructure and connectivity, as well as accelerate innovation and business growth.
Participants agreed that coordinated action across sectors is essential to unlocking the region’s full potential.
A major theme of the event was the importance of enhancing the Humber’s identity to attract inward investment and raise the region’s profile nationally and internationally.
Leaders highlighted the need to:
- Promote the Humber as a competitive investment destination
- Showcase local strengths in industry, energy, and logistics
- Develop a clear and consistent regional narrative
By strengthening its identity, the region aims to position itself as a key contributor to the UK’s economic growth.
Alongside strategic discussions, the session focused on identifying practical steps that can deliver long‑term benefits for communities.
This includes:
- Supporting businesses to grow and innovate
- Creating opportunities for local residents to access skilled jobs
- Encouraging investment into key sectors
Leaders emphasised that turning ambition into action will be critical to delivering meaningful economic change.
The Humber’s growth ambitions will be further highlighted next week when the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority presents its vision at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).
The event will provide an important platform to demonstrate that the region is open for business, ready to attract investment, and committed to delivering large‑scale development opportunities. This is expected to support new partnerships with investors and developers.
The Leadership Exchange also reflects growing collaboration between Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire through the newly established Humber Growth Board.
The Board aims to coordinate economic development across the Humber, strengthen regional partnerships, and enable joint approaches to investment and infrastructure. Mayor Luke Campbell will chair the Board during its inaugural year, with the next meeting scheduled for 25 June.
Leaders at the event expressed a shared commitment to creating a Humber region that is:
- Economically strong and resilient
- Attractive to investors and businesses
- Inclusive, with opportunities for local communities
The focus on collaboration across sectors and geographies is seen as key to achieving this vision.
Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell MBE, said:
“The Humber has all the ingredients to be one of the UK’s leading areas for growth and investment. But to make the most of that opportunity, we need to work together and speak with one voice.
“The message from the government is that too many people and organisations are pulling in different directions, and that weakens our voice. With combined authorities now on both sides of the Humber, we’ve got a chance to change that.
“That’s how we can give businesses the confidence to invest, create better jobs and improve skills for local people, and make sure growth benefits everyone.”
By bringing together business leaders, policymakers and community partners, the Humber Leadership Exchange is helping to create a coordinated approach to growth.
Key priorities include developing a skilled workforce, investing in infrastructure and innovation, and creating high‑quality jobs. These efforts aim to support sustainable growth and ensure the benefits are shared across the region.
The event marks another step in building momentum for the Humber as a major regional economy. With strong leadership, growing partnerships and a clear focus on delivery, the region is positioning itself to attract investment, support business growth, and improve opportunities for residents.
Image credit: iStock
