BY FUTURE HUMBER
FOREWORD
As we reflect on 2024, we are proud to celebrate a year of transformation and ambition. This has been driven by the energy and commitment of our brilliant Bondholders and strategic partners. Together, we have shaped a compelling story that positions Humber as a dynamic and distinctive region. Through shared goals, innovative campaigns, and impactful events, we have turned vision into action, laying the foundations for a fabulous future filled with opportunity.
At the heart of this progress is the Humber Place Narrative, a cornerstone of our work this year in redefining how the region tells its story to the world. It is more than mere narrative; it is a bold statement of what can be achieved when Humber is at its best. Authentic yet aspirational, the Humber Place Narrative is already driving investment, attracting talent, and opening doors to new opportunities. Since it was unveiled in Humber Business Week, we have integrated the Narrative into campaigns and events, highlighting the transformational power of a cohesive and revolutionary identity.
One of the most significant milestones of 2024 was the celebration of the Bondholder network’s 30th anniversary. It was a wonderful moment to reflect on the strength, resilience, and achievements of this unique community. For three decades, Bondholders have driven change, forged partnerships, and redefined perceptions of this part of the world. This year, we’ve built on that legacy, bringing the network together to overcome challenges, elevate Humber’s profile, and seize opportunities for innovation and growth.
Our work supporting key regional organisations, such as Humber Freeport and Humber Energy Board, has cemented Future Humber’s role at the forefront of successful strategic collaboration. We’ve played a pivotal part in delivering a vision that empowers communities and positions Humber as a global leader in clean energy and industrial transformation. Projects like hydrogen production, carbon capture & storage, and national grid upgrades demonstrate the region’s commitment to a greener, sustainable future, ensuring our economic prosperity.
Our events calendar has been packed with opportunities to showcase Humber’s leadership and innovation. At Innovation Zero 2024, we brought together powerful partners to highlight the region’s vital role in realising the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Meanwhile, The Waterline continued to inspire action on sustainability and celebrated the remarkable ingenuity of the next generation of STEM leaders. These moments emphasized Humber’s ability to collaborate and reinforced its position as a global leader in driving meaningful change in the biggest environmental challenge facing us all.
In November, we proudly supported the launch of Delivering the Humber 2030 Vision at the House of Lords. This unveiled an ambitious strategy to unleash more than £15 billion in private sector investment and create thousands of skilled jobs. This strategy, driven by collaboration between industry, academia, and government, firmly places Humber at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy revolution. It also serves as a global example of how decarbonisation can drive economic renewal while building a sustainable future for all.
Alongside Meehan Media & Comms, we proudly hosted James Mitchinson, Editor of the Yorkshire Post, to showcase how Humber is transforming perceptions and redefining what it means to be a thriving, modern region. By sharing powerful stories and bold insights, we highlighted Humber as a place where action is already shaping the future; a region brimming with confidence, innovation, and purpose. Thank you to James for engaging so enthusiastically with our vision. These collaborations bring to life the dynamic narrative of Humber, a place where high ambition meets positive progress and creates optimism for a bright future.
This year also brought global attention to the Humber. We welcomed international delegations, including a German team exploring decarbonisation opportunities within the Humber Industrial Cluster. Such visits underscore the region’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation, opening the door to meaningful partnerships and knowledge sharing.
As we now prepare for 2025, the momentum we’ve built together will propel us forward still further. Future Humber remains committed to championing this region as a global exemplar of how traditional industrial areas can pioneer the green economy. Our work is rooted in innovation, resilience, and ambition, and we’re excited to continue helping shape a future that reflects the remarkable spirit of this great region.
The achievements outlined in the pages that follow are not just a record of our work in 2024; they are a roadmap for the fabulous opportunities that lie ahead. They reflect the four vital values at the core of the Humber Place Narrative: Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real, and Remarkable.
Thank you for being at the heart of this joyous journey. There is so much to look forward to. Together, we are not just preparing for the future - we are creating it!
With all best wishes,
Bill Walker
Chair, Future Humber