Bondholders

Celebrating 30 Years of Bondholders

27th June 2024

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Stage @TheDock, Tech Campus, Hull, HU1 1UU

Future Humber

Since 1994, Bondholders have played a vital role in developing the Humber’s positive profile and shaping the long-term future of the region. The current network comprises the most dynamic and influential businesses in the Humber, all working to elevate the region's profile and ambition to attract sustainable economic growth.

Bondholders and prominent figures from the organisation’s history recently gathered to celebrate the achievements of the past three decades and to discuss future aspirations.

Held at Stage@TheDock, attendees arrived under a vibrant balloon archway and enjoyed welcome drinks and an array of food, including fresh pizzas from Berts and delicious vegan burgers from Junk Soul Smothered.

The event began with 90s-themed music and entertainment by local magician Rich Reynolds. Attendees also explored the past 30 years through the Humber timeline and a memorabilia corner showcasing PR and recruitment guides, along with other historical Bondholders’ items.

A delightful shock came when one of the bar staff, posing as a regular server, dramatically fell before bursting into song, revealing himself as a singing waiter, much to the amusement and surprise of those present.

Following the entertainment, the formal proceedings commenced with an introduction from Future Humber Chair Bill Walker. He welcomed everyone and acknowledged several special guests, including:

Jim Dick OBE, Lord Lieutenant of East Riding of Yorkshire and a Founding Father of Bondholders
The Right Reverend James Jones, Founding Father of Bondholders
All Chairs – past and present
Board Members – past and present

Bill highlighted the key achievements and contributions of the Bondholders community to the Humber region and emphasised the network's future role. He outlined the vision for the future and the significance of Bondholders in shaping it, including the newly launched Place Brand values and narrative aimed at enhancing external perceptions of the Humber.

Jim Dick OBE then took the stage, sharing memories of Bondholders and the organisation’s transformation over the past 30 years. He recounted the organisation’s inception in 1994 when Hull was receiving substantial regeneration funds from central government. Recognising that the city’s poor image was a major hindrance to development, a group was formed, holding its first meeting at Smith+Nephew where Jim was Managing Director. Despite initial funding challenges, the group successfully approached major employers in the city to generate funds, establishing a bond between the public and private sectors, from which the name ‘Bondholders’ was born.

Jim emphasised that despite the success of Bondholders over the past three decades, “there is still much work to do, and there always will be.” He urged continued efforts to compete for investment and expressed hope for the organisation’s future growth, concluding his speech with congratulations on reaching the 30-year milestone and best wishes for the next 30 years.

Following Jim’s speech, Bill presented the awards. The Special Honorary Award was given to Hull City Council for their long-standing support, collected by Alex Codd, Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration. The Longstanding Membership Award recognised organisations and businesses that have been Bondholders for over 20 years, including Hull Trains, Wykeland Group Ltd, Eon Visual Media, Reckitt, University of Hull, William Jackson Food Group, Arco, Sewell Group, ABP (Associated British Ports), Smith+Nephew, Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, SPARQ (part of the Saville Group), KCOM, and PPH Commercial.

The final award, The Changemakers Award, was presented to the Grimsby-based organisation OTC (Offshore Training Centre) for their outstanding achievements and potential as a dynamic and pioneering business. Based in the heart of the Renewable Energy Sector on Grimsby Docks, OTC prides itself on delivering realistic training in a real environment. This award grants OTC a year of membership within the Bondholder network.

Bill concluded the event by encouraging networking among attendees and thanking everyone for their participation and continued support as Bondholders look forward to the next 30 years.

Future Humber was delighted and proud to have received support from local organisations and individuals before, during, and after the event. A huge thank you to the following: