Principal and Major Partners Event: October 2024
Future Humber held a Principal and Major Partner event at the Aura Innovation Centre in Hull on Thursday. The event, which takes place twice a year, brought together key stakeholders from across Humber to discuss the latest developments in devolution, the upcoming budget, and the Humber Place Brand narrative.
The event commenced with networking and lunch, followed by a welcome from Bill Walker, Chair of Future Humber. He stressed the crucial role of Bondholders in shaping and driving the future of the Humber, especially in relation to the new devolution deals.
Bill also highlighted Future Humber's partnership and support for the CATCH EDIB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Belonging) Network, reminding attendees of the essential role that wellbeing plays across the Bondholder network.
Keynote Address by Henri Murison, CEO, Northern Powerhouse Partnership
Henri Murison, CEO of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, delivered the keynote address, providing insights into the forthcoming Autumn Statement and its potential impact on the North of England. He outlined key infrastructure investments, particularly in rail electrification, that are expected to benefit the Humber. Henri also touched on fiscal rule changes and the potential for large capital projects to support long-term Humber growth.
Henri addressed the challenges facing local government funding and stressed the need for new approaches to supporting cities like Hull, Bradford, and Newcastle. He acknowledged that while carbon capture projects may not feature prominently in the upcoming budget, the long-term potential for the Humber region to make a case for increased government support remains strong.
Humber Place Narrative – A Call to Action
Anja Hazebroek, representing the Humber Place Narrative Steering Group, provided an update on the Humber Place Brand, which was launched in June of this year. She encouraged attendees to embrace the four key brand values – Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real and Remarkable - as a framework for future growth. Anja highlighted the importance of using the Humber Place Brand to retain and attract talent, attract investment, and address generational deprivation in certain parts of the region.
"We are ambassadors for Humber, and it’s our responsibility to tell our story passionately and authentically," Anja said. "This isn’t about logos or imagery; it’s about the behaviours and actions that define the region."
Anja’s call to action included inviting stakeholders to use the Humber brand toolkit, share impactful projects, and appoint Place Brand Ambassadors to promote the region’s narrative further. If you’d like to be a Place Brand Ambassador, please email Future Humber’s Engagement and Stakeholder Manager, Leahann Barnes. The first meeting will take place on Thursday 16th of January.
Discussion and Q&A
The event also featured a Q&A session where attendees raised critical questions on the future of Freeports, devolution, and the role of the Humber Place Brand in shaping the region’s economic narrative.
Henri addressed the complexity of Freeport policies in the upcoming budget and reiterated the importance of maintaining incentives that drive growth and productivity in the Humber region. He also emphasised the long-term benefits of devolution for the Humber, stating that "economic coherence will be easier when tied together through the Humber." He later added, “when the government review the devolution deals in two years’ time it will be the people in this room that they go to.”
Anja and Henri both acknowledged the need for the Humber’s narrative to align with the two devolution deals, helping to bridge the gap between economic growth and public service reform.
Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Bill Walker reflected on the importance of partnership and collaboration in driving the Humber’s future prosperity. He promoted a series of upcoming events, including the Waterline 2024 and the Phillips 66 Sustainability Challenge. and introduced Future Humber’s preliminary plans for an active programme of events in 2025, signalling another promising year ahead.
For more information on the Humber Place Brand and to access the brand toolkit, please click here.
To view the presentation slides used during the event, please click here.
