Please join important discussions about the Humber that are currently taking place with businesses and communities across the region and beyond. These discussions are informing and shaping the thinking about how we as stakeholders and citizens of the Humber want our place to develop, and presented and perceived by the investors, businesses, employees and visitors who we want to attract now and in the future.

This is of course referring to the Humber place narrative which has recently been commissioned and funded by Future Humber and Bondholders. The work is being delivered by a consortium of experts including HemingwayDesign, CTConsults and Pace Communications. 

Bondholders Breakfast

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. 

We extend sincere gratitude to Bill Walker, Chair of Future Humber, for his warm welcome and impassioned call to action. Bill's remarks underscored the significance of redefining our identity within the broader scope of regional devolution, galvanizing our collective focus. 

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. 

We extend heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their active participation, thought-provoking contributions, and subsequent efforts in disseminating discussions surrounding the development of the Humber place narrative. We are deeply thankful to those who have since participated in sector-specific focus groups, encouraged their peers to do the same, and amplified the reach of our online survey to a broader audience. 

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.

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. A heartfelt thank you to each student who contributed, as well as to the dedicated teachers and leaders who facilitated their involvement. Your valuable time and insights are deeply appreciated. 

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. We extend our sincere gratitude to all attendees, with special appreciation to those who journeyed from sites in Immingham and Grimsby to enrich our discussions. Your presence and insights were invaluable to our collective voice. 

Healthcare

On Day 2, our focus turned to the vital Healthcare sector, with the day's first session kindly hosted at the offices of Rollits LLP. 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

Set against the backdrop of innovation, the focus group for the digital sector convened at the state-of-the-art facilities of C4DI, embodying the progressive spirit of our region. 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. As with each session, the insights shared during this gathering were diverse and invaluable, contributing to our comprehensive understanding of the area's dynamic landscape. 

Culture, Community, Sports and Leisure - South Bank

On Day 3, our journey commenced 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. Many thanks to all who took part and the wonderful team at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe for their warm hospitality. 

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. 

Next steps

All the insightful data collected from these focus groups has continued to shape our ongoing programme. The consortium will now dedicate time to meticulously process the responses and conduct additional research to deepen our understanding. At the same time, our online survey will remain active for several more weeks, providing an invaluable channel to seek diverse perspectives. We urge individuals from all corners of the UK and beyond to participate and contribute their insights. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future narrative of the Humber region. Please spare a few moments to complete the survey and extend the invitation to your contacts both nationally and internationally.  

The insights collated will undergo 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. 

Find out more at Humber Place Narrative - online survey

Unveiling

The unveiling of the brand new Humber place narrative marks just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. Join us at the opening event of Humber Business Week on June 3rd, 2024, as we introduce this transformative narrative to the world. We look forward to showcasing how the narrative comes to life through regional projects and initiatives. Moreover, we're committed to equipping our stakeholders with the tools and resources needed to become ambassadors of our shared story, amplifying our message far and wide. The journey continues beyond the unveiling event as we embark on a collective effort to take ownership of this narrative and shape the future of our region.  

You can book a place at this event at Humber Business Week 2024 - Unveiling the Humber Placebrand