Humber Place Narrative

THE LAUNCH

Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real and Remarkable.

The ‘Unveiling of the Humber Place Brand’ was a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey to elevate the Humber region. Held at the sold-out MKM Stadium in Hull, this event marked the beginning of Humber Business Week 2024, bringing together business leaders, local stakeholders, and community members with a shared vision: to drive forward a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future for the Humber.

This event showcased the collective ambition of the Humber, an area renowned for its pioneering spirit, its adaptability, and its sense of unity. From the powerful opening video, which captured the hopes and aspirations of those who call the Humber home, to the inspiring addresses from key leaders, the event was a powerful affirmation of the region’s potential. Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, set the stage with a compelling message of empowerment. She called for a Humber where people are given the ‘wings to fly’ and the ‘roots to grow,’ building a place where pride in our region is at the heart of everything we do.

Wayne Hemingway, founder of Hemingway Design, reinforced the importance of place branding, reminding us that it is not just about logos or campaigns, but it is about what we are known for and the values that define us. Through a comprehensive process of collaboration and engagement with over 1,000 people across the Humber, we arrived at a set of core values that capture the true spirit of the region: Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real, and Remarkable. These values, unveiled by key members of the Place Steering Group, serve as the foundation for the Humber’s identity, guiding us as we work to strengthen our position on the global stage.

The event was a call to action. As we introduced the Humber’s brand, we invited participants to think about how these values can be brought to life in their own work and communities. With interactive sessions and real-world examples, we demonstrated how these values can drive change and impact. We concluded with a resounding message: the future of the Humber is in our hands. It is up to each one of us to take the brand forward, championing the Humber as a region that is bold, dynamic, and forward-thinking.

Together, we have the opportunity to create a Humber that is a model of innovation, collaboration, and community pride. Let’s embrace this opportunity and continue shaping the Humber into the remarkable region it is destined to be.

THE STORY SO FAR...

Bondholders Breakfast - Humber Place Narrative Focus Group

On February 27th, 2024, Bondholders and guests convened at the Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Broughton for a pivotal discussion aimed at shaping the forthcoming Humber place narrative. Facilitated by CTConsults, this gathering urged participants to reflect deeply on their relationship with the Humber region and provide insights into essential questions about our shared community.

Andrew Palmer, Director at CTConsults, delved into the concept of place narrative and its implications for the Humber, drawing upon lessons learned from comparable projects elsewhere. Emphasising the need for collaboration, Palmer highlighted its pivotal role in shaping the efficacy of our eventual messaging.

Amy Lewis, Place Consultant at CTConsults, led an engaging interactive session utilising MentiMeter to explore audience-contributed ideas. The wealth of insights generated during this session not only enhanced our understanding of the local context but also provided valuable fodder for further research and deliberation.

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Humber Place Narrative 'ThinkTank'

Held at the Doubletree by Hilton, ThinkTank allowed Major and Principal Partners to discuss the importance and impact of place branding and why it's vital that we get this process right.

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Humber Business Week 2023 Launch - Let's Talk Place

We kicked off Humber Business Week 2023 with a celebration of place. Guests were invited to have discussions with their tables, with the aim of coming up with priorities for the region and to bring them to the ideas board.

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FOCUS GROUPS

After the invigorating Bondholders Breakfast, we embarked on a dynamic journey, hosting seven sector-specific focus groups across three days. These sessions were meticulously planned to glean insights from individuals representing pivotal sectors within Humber, including the vibrant voices of students and young professionals.

All the insightful data collected from these focus groups has continued to shape our ongoing programme. The consortium dedicated time to meticulously process the responses and conducted additional research to deepen our understanding.

The insights collated went under rigorous testing, challenges, and refinement through the collaborative efforts of a regional Place Steering Group, comprising individuals carefully selected from diverse corners of the region.

Together, we can amplify our collective voice and drive positive change.

Students and Young People

Gathering at the Aura Innovation Centre, the students and young people's focus group assembled a diverse array of bright minds from schools, colleges, and The University of Hull, collectively shaping the future of our region.

Ports and Logistics

Convening at the ABP Offices in Hull, the focus group for the ports and logistics sector united professionals hailing from various corners of the Humber region, bringing together individuals from ports, logistics, and related industries.

Healthcare

This gathering united professionals from the diverse healthcare and health providers, encompassing representatives from both public and private organisations, CICs and health-related charities.

Digital

Professionals from various digital domains, including technology, research, data management and digital marketing, came together to explore what the place narrative would mean for the evolving landscape of digital innovation in Humber.

Culture, Community, Sport and Leisure - North Bank

Gathering at the welcoming venue of Humber Street Gallery in Hull, the focus group dedicated to the culture, community, sport, and leisure sector offered yet another enriching perspective on our vibrant region.

Culture, Community, Sport and Leisure - South Bank

Gathering at The Baths Hall with a second targeted event spotlighting the culture, community, sports, and leisure sectors, tailored specifically for professionals operating in the southern reaches of the Humber.

Energy and Chemicals

Wrapping up our series of focus groups, the spotlight shone brightly on the pivotal energy and chemicals sector. We really appreciated working with the dedicated team at CATCH in Stallingborough for generously providing us with access to their facilities and support throughout this transformative process.

THE NEXT STEPS

Humber is on a journey like no other. Bold, ambitious, and full of promise. The next chapter begins on Thursday 16th January 2025. Our Remarkable Place Brand in Action meeting will bring together an army of ambassadors to continue pushing boundaries and unlocking the region’s true potential.

Since the launch of the Humber Place Brand at Humber Business Week 2024, engagement across the region has been a continuous and vital process. In the months following the launch, Future Humber has worked closely with organisations and businesses to ensure the Humber Place Brand’s values - Revolutionary, Resourceful, Real, and Remarkable - take root. The Place Brand Ambassador meeting will mark another critical step in this ongoing effort, reinforcing the values and ensuring they become embedded into local projects, organisations, and communities.

This meeting is not a new beginning, but a vital next step. We’ll come together from all corners of the region to explore how these values can be embedded into projects, organisations, and the very fabric of our communities. Through expert insights, including an external speaker who will share how successful place branding has transformed other regions, we will demonstrate how the Humber Place Brand toolkit is already helping local initiatives thrive.

Interactive sessions will give attendees the chance to apply the Humber Place Brand’s values to local projects, turning ideas into action and ensuring these principles inspire real, lasting change. This is where we build the Humber of tomorrow, today. it’s a moment to reflect on what makes Humber exceptional and to make sure the world knows we are a place of innovative ideas, creativity, and undeniable potential.

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To attend the meeting, tick the box on the Place Ambassador form.

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