18/06/2026
This week, Sher from the Hornsea Collective was invited to speak to the East Riding Rural Partnership, a group made up of around 35 to 40 influential figures from across the region’s rural communities and chaired by Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat.
The invitation came following a conversation about the challenges currently facing businesses on the East Yorkshire coast and provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible work being delivered by Hornsea’s independent business community.
There were no PowerPoint presentations from us. Instead, the story of the Hornsea Collective was told through photographs and examples of what can be achieved when businesses, volunteers and community organisations work together. After all, a picture really does tell a thousand words.
The presentation highlighted the growth of the Hornsea Collective over the past four years, from supporting independent businesses and creating opportunities for collaboration, to delivering community initiatives, promoting local shopping, championing arts and culture, and developing projects such as the Starfish Sculpture Trail.
Sher also spoke candidly about the realities facing many independent businesses in the current economic climate. Rising staffing costs, increasing energy bills, higher transport expenses and growing overheads are creating significant pressures for businesses of all sizes. Despite these challenges, Hornsea’s independent business community continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and a commitment to supporting both customers and the wider community.