Humber renewables champion returns as judge for 2025 awards

The judging panel for the Humber Renewables Award has been assembled as the deadline for entries nears.

Former Humber Renewables Champion Kurt Christensen will chair the panel, bringing top tier credentials to the role.  

A pioneering figure as offshore wind emerged in the region, he pivoted from fish to green energy to provide vital services to developers as the first turbines were planned, then delivered, in the near North Sea.

Kurt was a founding director of Grimsby Renewables Partnership, which went on to merge with Team Humber Marine Alliance to become Humber Marine & Renewables - organiser of the awards. He and colleagues were leading lights in supply chain activation, with his Windpower Support business going on to run a fleet of crew transfer vessels to near-shore farms, as well as offering quayside solutions.  

The popular fish auctioneer, who came to the region as a toddler, has been twice decorated by his birth nation of Denmark for his efforts, the second acknowledging his commitment to offshore wind.  He now wants to see accolades flow for inspiring and high performing businesses in the region, with the deadline of Friday, March 14.

Kurt said: “This fantastic industry is rapidly closing in on 20 years of continuous activity, and celebrating those succeeding in the sector is something we take great pleasure and pride in.

“Innovation, courage and determination has been witnessed countless times on the incredible and exciting journey businesses and organisations have been on.  We’ve seen a new way of thinking adopted and it has opened our eyes to the wider renewables sector too. Leading the world in offshore wind has given the Humber the platform to outline all the effort that is ongoing to decarbonisation.”

He will be joined by Sheena McGuinness, head of renewables at financial consultancy RSM UK - who returns to the panel after her debut in 2024 - and fellow Humber Marine and Renewables director Dave Laister, who after a long career in business journalism in the Humber is now PR and media director at Fred Marketing.

Sheena said: "I am delighted to have been invited back after an excellent experience in 2024. It was an eye-opening opportunity to understand what is being achieved in businesses big and small across such a proud region.  I look forward to delving into further success this year, and encourage anyone considering an application to go for it!" 

Dave added: "We really should celebrate out achievements across our strategic strengths as a region, and the Humber Renewables Awards provide the perfect platform to do just that, and inspire those around us.

"Nominations help business leaders pause and take stock of what has been done, while the enhanced profile that comes with a shortlisting and a win is invaluable. Good luck to everyone who enters."

Humber Renewables Awards forms a fitting finale to the Offshore Wind Connections conference and exhibition, with both taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hull on May 1. OWC 2025 opens with a drinks reception on the evening of April 30.

Companies and organisations with something to shout about can enter online via the dedicated website www.humber-renewables.com.  Categories and criteria are listed online.

Orsted, Rix Renewables and RWE all return as partners, with Business Live as media partner.

Further opportunities remain for businesses keen to be involved in a showcase event, with tickets for the gala dinner also now available.

For more information email awards@humber-renewables.com