Future Humber

Future Humber Future Humber promotes the region’s distinctive strengths to the widest audience and accelerates opportunities to unlock the potential of Humber.

We work to prioritise people, place, partnerships, and the planet with the mission to make a difference, influence and inspire all communities so that opportunities for investment and growth accelerate through the dynamic Humber narrative.

BONDHOLDERS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE HUMBER
Bondholders is a dynamic business community that collaboratively drives local growth, showcases investment opportunities and accelerates an ambitious vision for the Humber.

We are proud to connect and convene the businesses and communities in the region for a common purpose: to tell the story of a region rich in culture, opportunity and prosperity.

Scunthorpe is shaping a bold new future for the town and its residents.Driven by aspiration, the town centre is transfor...
09/04/2026

Scunthorpe is shaping a bold new future for the town and its residents.

Driven by aspiration, the town centre is transforming into a destination with energy, opportunity and pride at its core.

At the heart of the regeneration, a new £2.5 million family attraction is igniting ambition and inspiring Humber’s next generation of changemakers. Sparking curiosity through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and maths (STEAM) experiences, Discover@20-21’s free, interactive gallery encourages children to explore STEAM careers.

This future-focused development is just one part of an £80m transformation plan supported Government Levelling Up investment secured for Humber by North Lincolnshire Council

Discover more on this, and other major planned projects including a landmark restaurant, local business support, and new buildings for police and health services, in our latest Humber Trailblazer: Town Centre Transformation in Scunthorpe: Shaping a New Future.

Link in comments.

Hull showed its heart this weekend. Following the conversations at Cultural Tides, the city came together on Saturday fo...
16/03/2026

Hull showed its heart this weekend.

Following the conversations at Cultural Tides, the city came together on Saturday for Our City – a powerful celebration of creativity, community and pride.

Commissioned by Hull City Council and delivered by Back to Ours, the event brought families, artists, young people and community groups together in a festival created by the people of Hull, for the people of Hull.

The atmosphere across the city centre was electric. Thousands took part in the processions and celebrations, while restaurants, bars and venues were buzzing throughout the day.

Moments like this show the power of culture.

Not only in bringing people together, but in strengthening confidence, identity and local economies.

Huge credit to the team at Back to Ours for delivering such an authentic and inspiring event, and to Hull City Council whose continued investment in culture helps make moments like this possible.

As Hull continues its journey towards Our City 2027 and beyond, there is a growing opportunity for businesses to be part of the story.

If your organisation is interested in supporting or getting involved in the future programme of Our City, feel free to reach out to our Head of Place & Partnerships, Leahann Barnes to start the conversation.

Culture is momentum. And Hull is moving. Last week, our Head of Place & Partnerships Leahann Barnes attended the Cultura...
16/03/2026

Culture is momentum. And Hull is moving.

Last week, our Head of Place & Partnerships Leahann Barnes attended the Cultural Tides Conference, bringing together cultural leaders, policymakers and partners to explore the future of creativity in Hull and beyond.

Opening the day, Louise Yates BEM (Back to Ours) captured the ambition in the room:
"We are thinking big and why shouldn’t we? We are thinking big locally, hyper-locally, regionally, nationally and internationally."

Leader of Hull City Council Cllr Mike Ross reinforced the importance of culture to the city’s future:
"In 12 months, Hull has joined a global learning network, reset music ambitions, commissioned community-led culture at scale ... we are seeing the results. Name recognition. New partnerships. And a renewed sense of identity rooted in creativity, heritage and people."

Over the past year Hull has strengthened its cultural story on the national and international stage, from joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities to reigniting music ambitions and building new partnerships rooted in creativity.

The conference brought together voices from across the cultural sector, including panel discussions exploring how cities can collaborate to strengthen cultural identity, opportunity and impact.

That ambition was visible across the city the very next day.

Back to Ours

Did you know that one Humber town produces and trades a remarkable 70% of the UK’s seafood?💫 It plays a critical role in...
10/03/2026

Did you know that one Humber town produces and trades a remarkable 70% of the UK’s seafood?

💫 It plays a critical role in national food security.

💫 Products made here are served at family tables, royal banquets, and five-star restaurants across the country.

💫 The industry supports thousands of Humber jobs and contributes over £2bn to our economy.

Catch our latest Humber Trailblazer: the story of Grimsby’s world-leading seafood industry. Link to the full story in the comments 👇



Image credits: Made Great In Grimsby

The conversations from our Principal and Major Partner Dinner continue to shape what comes next for the region. Future H...
10/02/2026

The conversations from our Principal and Major Partner Dinner continue to shape what comes next for the region.

Future Humber brought together highly influential leadership from across Humber, including senior business figures, all four local authorities, both mayoral combined authorities and national government, to focus on how the region speaks with confidence and clarity at the moments that matter.

As Lord Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, said:
“The Humber’s contribution to the UK’s economic future cannot be overstated. By working together with a clear, confident voice, we can attract long-term investment and secure sustained growth for communities across the Humber.”

This is exactly the role Future Humber plays: creating the space for leadership, alignment and collective ambition, and ensuring Humber is positioned credibly in national conversations that shape long-term growth.

Huge thanks to everyone who took part, to Lord Jason Stockwood for engaging so openly with regional leaders, and to Wilkin Chapman Rollits for their partnership. Thanks also to Lloyd Atkin and the Butler Whites team for their warm hospitality, and to Tom Arran for capturing the evening so well.

Interested in being part of these conversations? Become a Bondholder by contacting Leahann Barnes, Head of Partnerships & Place at [email protected].

1980s Hull. A group of students and unemployed young people find a resourceful way to solve their housing problems, unkn...
22/12/2025

1980s Hull. A group of students and unemployed young people find a resourceful way to solve their housing problems, unknowingly starting something that would grow into a multi-million-pound charity supporting thousands of others along the way.

Almost 40 years later, Humber charity Giroscope Hull is helping people rebuild their lives through affordable social housing and training opportunities while revitalising communities and derelict buildings.

Read our latest Humber Trailblazer: the story of a pioneering spirit that sparked a neighbourhood revolution 👇link in comments.



Image credit: Giroscope

Humber’s voice is growing stronger.Diana Taylor’s latest piece for LocalGov highlights the power of place in regional re...
09/12/2025

Humber’s voice is growing stronger.

Diana Taylor’s latest piece for LocalGov highlights the power of place in regional revitalisation and why clearly articulated place identities can transform perceptions, boost investment appeal, and ignite local pride.

Humber’s brand is built on authenticity. It reflects our industries, landscapes, heritage, and the way this region works. Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real and Remarkable. These values resonate. They give us a cohesive framework to tell our story and bring partners together across our complex and evolving landscape.

Today our Place Brand is a living, breathing force for change. It is empowering individuals, organisations and communities to act, advocate and share Humber’s story with confidence. More than 250 ambassadors are already championing this work and helping amplify opportunities for our region.

This important piece spotlights how our shared identity is helping strengthen Humber’s voice and build a remarkable future.

Read the full article on LocalGov - https://www.localgov.co.uk/The-power-of-place-in-regional-revitalisation/63553

We were pleased to support CIMA and Reckittt at last week’s New Trade Equation: Policy Meets Practice event at Reckitt’s...
27/11/2025

We were pleased to support CIMA and Reckittt at last week’s New Trade Equation: Policy Meets Practice event at Reckitt’s R&D Centre in Hull.

Our thanks to Bondholders Pauline Wade (John Good Group | Growing Businesses Together) and Darren Southwell (Relay Port Agency) for bringing clear and practical insight to the panel, alongside Professor Adam Leaver (The University of Sheffield).

The session, chaired by Parrish Pryce-Williams, explored the realities of navigating shifting global trade policies, the challenges of entering new markets, and the increasing operational pressures around customs, logistics, and regulatory compliance.

Thank you to Martyna Iwach and Hannah Wilson for coordinating the event, and to JH Captures for the photography.

You can read the full write-up and view the photos here ➡️

https://www.futurehumber.com/events/the-new-trade-equation-policy-meets-practice-hull

A brilliant morning ahead with our Bondholders at The Deep! 💙🌊Today we’re getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at the i...
19/11/2025

A brilliant morning ahead with our Bondholders at The Deep! 💙🌊

Today we’re getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at the incredible conservation work happening right here in Humber - and we can’t wait to experience it together.

Partnership is at the heart of this.
Because when our Bondholders open their doors, share their expertise and come together, we connect businesses, spark new conversations and bring our region’s real strengths to life.

These insights are just one of the many ways we build a stronger, more connected Humber.

Thinking about joining the network?
Drop us a message, we’d love to chat about the opportunities waiting for you as a Bondholder.

Future Humber is delighted to announce that Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for Humber at Associated British Ports, has ...
18/11/2025

Future Humber is delighted to announce that Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for Humber at Associated British Ports, has been appointed as our new Chair, beginning December 2025.

Andrew brings almost 30 years of global ports and maritime experience and a deep commitment to the future of Humber. His leadership, strategic vision and commitment to collaboration will help drive the next chapter of place promotion as we strengthen Humber’s identity, champion investment and build confidence and pride across our communities.

This appointment comes at a defining moment for our region. With new Mayoral Combined Authorities taking shape and collaboration across Humber growing stronger, the role of place promotion has never been more important. Andrew’s experience, ambition and belief in Humber will play a vital part in amplifying our voice locally, nationally and internationally.

Andrew said:
“The Humber is a remarkable place, rich in heritage, innovation and ambition. I’m excited to work with partners to amplify our voice and help shape a thriving future.”

We would like to thank Bill Walker for his exceptional leadership as Chair over the past five years.

👉 Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/esJSpYwN

Humber, you are Remarkable. 💫Last night Humber stood among the very best in the world at City Nation Place Global 2025 -...
07/11/2025

Humber, you are Remarkable. 💫

Last night Humber stood among the very best in the world at City Nation Place Global 2025 - named one of the top six global place brands from more than 180 entries across 28 countries.

To be recognised on this global stage alongside trailblazing regions including Baltimore (Greater Baltimore Committee), Estonia (EIS | Enterprise Estonia), Jamaica (JSIF Jamaica Social Investment Fund), Reșița, Denmark (Copenhagen Capacity), Sweden and our UK neighbours in Sheffield (Marketing Sheffield) is a powerful moment for our region.

When Future Humber launched the Place Brand Narrative in 2024 with a team of just six, it began with one shared belief:

Humber’s story deserves to be heard.

Since then, more than 250 ambassadors, organisations and partners have brought this narrative to life in boardrooms, classrooms, events, communities and global conversations.

Fuelled by our region’s collective energy, our identity is now recognised internationally as one of the world’s most impactful emerging place stories.
Real. Revolutionary. Remarkable. Resourceful.

These values are not words. They are who we are.

And they are now seen, recognised and celebrated worldwide.

We also want to extend a huge congratulations to Marketing Sheffield for being awarded Place Brand of the Year. It was an incredible moment to see another UK city recognised for its storytelling and civic confidence. We celebrate every finalist and winner who is shaping place with pride and purpose. 🤝

This is not just a milestone.

It is momentum.

Humber is shaping its future.

Together. With confidence. With ambition. With pride.

And we are only just getting started. 💜

Explore our Humber Place Brand case study featured by City Nation Place:
👉https://www.citynationplace.com/place-brand-portfolio

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