‘A true champion for the Humber’: Tributes to Lord Chris Haskins

‘HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED’: Chris Haskins

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Tributes have been paid to businessman Lord Chris Haskins, whose death was announced yesterday.

Lord Haskins, who was 88, was chair of Northern Foods and became a life peer in 1998 with the title Baron Haskins of Skidby.

Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council, said: “Having previously worked with Chris for many years, including as a founding member of the Humber LEP, I saw at first hand his drive, enthusiasm and passion for our region and what this delivered. We have lost a true champion for the Humber and he will be sorely missed. 

“Our thoughts are with Lord Haskins’ family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Council leader, Councillor Mike Ross, and Councillor Daren Hale, leader of the majority opposition group at the council, said: “The council was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Christopher Haskins.

“Over his long career, Lord Haskins had an instrumental role in driving business investment, growth and employment across the Humber. Most significantly, he chaired the Northern Foods and Express Dairies FTSE 100 company before also founding and chairing the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership. 

“His connections into government were critical into ensuring Hull and the Humber always had a voice in Westminster and in facilitating quick and effective investment decisions, which provided much needed support to businesses across the region.

“One of his biggest contributions was his involvement in bringing Siemens to the city, creating significant investment and employment and repurposing Alexandra Dock as the centre for Hull to become a global leader in the offshore industry.”