The future economic development of the Humber region is to be explored as the local enterprise partnership’s annual meeting goes online.
Latest developments will be discussed in a year that has seen seismic shifts in devolution, with the economic area politically split along the river from which it takes its name.
Changes to LEP arrangements next year and their effect on the region’s economic priorities and business support programmes will also be at the fore.
CBI chief director of UK policy, Matthew Fell, will be guest speaker, with a panel of board members including Stephen Savage, chair of the Humber LEP Employment and Skills Board; Simon Bird, director of ABP Humber; Sallyann Garrard-Hughes, head of regional operations at ECITB and Jo Barnes, managing director of Shared Agenda.
Stephen Parnaby OBE, chair of the Humber LEP, said: “Our AGM is a chance for businesses across the region to find out more about the work we have been undertaking and the support we have been providing for businesses not just during the pandemic, but across the previous financial year.
“We will also be discussing not just our achievements, but also look to the future, and discuss where both the Humber LEP and the economy of the region might be heading.”
The hour-long event takes place on Friday, November 13 at 10am, with registration essential.
While coronavirus has dominated the year, 2020 saw the ramifications of the fall of the 'red wall' with the political make-up of the South Bank changing the geographical aspirations in northern Lincolnshire.
Grimsby and Scunthorpe's Labour pro-Humber devolution MPs were removed, with Greater Lincolnshire favouring replacements in Lia Nici and Holly Mumby-Croft. It saw a swift about turn at regional level, with a Hull and East Yorkshire model now being pursued.
Promises have been made over mutual interests such as ports, energy and other process industries. The split prompted further controversy when a decision was made to end the well progressed selection process for a new chair following Lord Haskins' announced departure, with vice chairman Mr Parnaby then voted in by the board, despite being one of three shortlisted.
Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce highlighted its dissatisfaction with the appointment to government, calling for an independent inquiry, with a decision made not to intervene.
Outcomes from the LEP’s annual review will also be discussed, highlighting work done by the LEP and its partner organisations across the 2019-2020 period.
Questions of the chair and chief executive, Kishor Tailor, are being sought in advance, and should be emailed to submitted to c.scott-holm@humberlep.org.
