‘Turning ambition into impact’: Leaders gather to shape the Humber’s future

OPPORTUNITIES: Lord Jason Stockwood speaking at the leaders’ dinner

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Future Humber has brought together senior leaders for an exclusive dinner focused on how a confident, connected regional voice can unlock investment, accelerate collaboration and deliver long-term impact.

The dinner was headlined by Lord Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, and reflected Future Humber’s place-first role in acting for the long-term interests of Humber and creating the conditions for leadership-level dialogue at a pivotal moment for the region.

Delivered in partnership with Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the evening brought together around 45 senior business and civic leaders from Future Humber’s Bondholder network, exclusively drawn from its principal and major partners.

These organisations represent some of the Humber’s most influential employers, investors and institutions. All four local authorities and both mayoral combined authorities - Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire - were also represented.

Ahead of the dinner, a pre-meeting provided space for focused discussion on the Humber’s priorities and opportunities.

The evening was hosted by Andrew Dawes, chair of Future Humber and regional director for the Humber at Associated British Ports (ABP).

He said: “Humber’s strength lies in its ability to come together and speak with confidence as one place.

“This dinner was about convening leadership across sectors and geographies to focus on what matters most for the region, and how a united pan-Humber voice can help turn ambition into lasting impact.”

STRONGER TOGETHER: Civic and business leaders at the Future Humber event

In his keynote address, Lord Stockwood engaged directly with regional leaders on the Humber’s national significance, the importance of confidence and clarity in attracting investment and the role of collaboration in supporting sustainable economic growth.

He said: “The Humber is where I am from, and I wear that proudly. Its contribution to the UK’seconomic future cannot be overstated.

“I’m grateful to Future Humber for bringing together leaders from business and local government to champion the region’s ambitions.

“By working together with a clear, confident voice, we can attract long-term investment, drive innovation and secure the sustained growth that communities across the Humber deserve.”

The dinner was delivered in partnership with Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the largest legal practice in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Chris Grocock, senior partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, said: “As a pan-Humber firm with deep roots across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, we see first-hand the value of strong regional leadership and alignment.

“We were pleased to partner with Future Humber on this dinner, and to support the space it created for senior leaders to come together, share perspectives and focus on Humber’s future.

“These kinds of agenda-setting conversations are essential for building confidence and enabling long-term growth across the region.”