Our treasured board and advisory board members, through their individual and collective wisdom, play an important consulting role to Future Humber and to Bondholders. We appreciate their huge contribution to the development of the Humber.

In the first few days of the new year, we asked some of our board members some very important questions - firstly, what are their hopes and visions for 2024, and (also importantly) what their favourite place is in the Humber. Read on to meet more of our board members, learn their priorities for this year, and find out where they like to visit and hang out in the Humber region. 

Pat Coyle - Director of Marketing and Client Relations - Rollits LLP

In 2024, I am hoping that the proposed Level 3 devolution deal which has been agreed by Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire councils is backed by the public so that the mayoral combined authority can be formed. 

In the Humber, I love Ferriby Foreshore and in particular the RDA cafe

It's a hidden gem for walkers. How a cafe in North Ferriby saved a riding school for the disabled. More about the school 👉🏼https://t.co/3GwP4rZ9oo #NorthFerriby @FerribyNth pic.twitter.com/2Nxa8ekDf7

— BBC Radio Humberside (@RadioHumberside) March 30, 2021

Simon Dwyer - CEO - Seafox Management Consultants and Made Great in Grimsby

For 2024, Simon is "excited about the launch of the region’s first Seafood School in Grimsby and getting to work on the decarbonisation of the seafood sector."

His favourite place in the Humber is the scenic Lincolnshire Wolds. Great choice!

Jo Dooley - Business Investment and Tourism Services Manager - East Riding of Yorkshire Council

For 2024, she hopes "that the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution Deal is signed off so the area has a heard voice in Government and can really start to move forward."

Her favourite place in the Humber is Beverley. Jo says "I grew up there and love the historic aspects, spending much time both riding and dog walking across the Westwood."

Anita Pace - Managing Director - Pace Communications 

For 2024, Anita hopes for "Public support for the Hull & East Yorkshire Devolution Deal and for our MPs to put aside their agendas and do the right thing by us. We need this Deal to happen – it will be transformational for us all."

What's her favourite place in the Humber? She says "I love Warehouse 6, the Pace office in Hull. We moved here in October and I still get excited every day when I walk in. I love the energy and team collaboration here - it’s a happy place."

Have a look round Pace's new offices at Warehouse 6

Andy Parkinson - CEO - Lampada at The University of Hull

For 2024, world peace is probably too much to ask for! A devolution deal would be good for the Humber.

My favourite place in the Humber has to be the Humber Bridge, it connects businesses and communities from both sides of the Estuary and to this day is still a truly iconic and impressive structure. 

Nikki West - SVP HR for Corporate Services and Head of Global Talent - Smith + Nephew PLC

For 2024, she hopes that there is a a re-emergence of the global economy to bring more financial stability and associated benefits along with geo-political peace.

Her favourite place in the Humber? "I love Humber Street and Hull Marina!"

Anja Hazebroek - Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Media Relations - NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

Anja's dream for 2024 is "that we continue to see the Humber region prosper, bringing greater social, economic and health equity to our fantastic communities. And it would be the icing on the cake to see Hull City promoted to the Premiership!" 

As for her favourite place in the Humber, she says that "It’s hard to pick a favourite but I’m going for my hometown of Goole."

If you don't know Goole or just want to know more about it, this video from The Village Idiot is long but comprehensive! 

Paul Fursey - Lead Executive UK and General Manager, Humber Refinery - Phillips 66 

Paul says he is "hoping for clarity from the Government on its commitment to decarbonisation of the Humber to drive growth, jobs and the economy as an enabler for the region becoming a destination of choice" 

Does he have a favourite place in the Humber? He says "Despite being industrialized and wanting to see the economy grow and flourish, my favourite places are the rural villages, countryside and farmland."

Bruce Charlesworth – Group Chief Medical Officer and Hull Campus Lead at Reckitt, Hull

Bruce would very much like to work on "furthering the visibility and contribution of Reckitt to the region and learning about best practice in other businesses." 

His favourite place is the Yorkshire Wolds which overlook the Humber region. 

Becky Keegan - Marketing Manager at Boston Energy

At Boston Energy, we’ve entered into our next period of significant growth, and for this year, I’m excited to see this for the Humber too. From local talent and career opportunities to further progress in clean energy and decarbonisation, as well as getting the devolution deal across the line, of course!

My perfect day is taking the dog to Beverley Westwood and grabbing a hot drink & sweet treat from 42nd East Bakehouse!

Catherine Darby-Roberts - Humber Leader - Arup

Catherine is a Chartered Civil Engineer and experienced Project Leader and advises clients in the Energy and Science, Industry & Technology sectors, focused on decarbonisation, buildability, and operational efficiency.

For 2024, Catherine would please like that the government continues to recognise the opportunity we have in the Humber to decarbonise and that it invests in the projects locally.

Her favourite place in the Humber is Tom Pudding Way in Goole. She says "As an engineer I like to see the tangible positive impact construction and investment has on a local area. Developments along this road have helped to transform the employment opportunities locally, supported economic growth and allowed enhancement of the Oakhill Nature Reserve.  The Siemen’s Train Manufacturing and Components business is now established, and I am proud of the support Arup has provided. Humber Freeport is also situated along Tom Pudding Way and I will continue to support and advocate for inward investment into the Freeport areas throughout 2024."

Sarah Clark - Head of Operations - Aura Innovation Centre, The University of Hull

Sarah has over 27 years of project and programme management experience, leading multi-million pound, multi-faceted and multi-stakeholder public funding projects. Through active participation on various boards including serving as a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, she is dedicated to advancing clean growth and achieving net zero targets across diverse sectors through innovation and collaboration.

In 2024, Sarah is hoping for "more investment into the region to support the Humber's potential. The Humber is bursting with innovative and creative individuals and businesses, which needs recognition from the Government to allow the local economy to thrive and prosper. Securing the devolution deal will help massively towards this and provide businesses with vital funding opportunities to support the region to deliver a sustainable future."

Her favourite place in the Humber is "my office based at the Aura Innovation Centre in Hessle and the University of Hull campus. I love being surrounded by positive and inspiring individuals and through my role I am lucky enough to get best of both worlds - being immersed amongst the bright minds of the future on the University campus and seeing the brilliant research and development projects being developed by the regions innovative SMEs with support from the Aura Innovation Centre team, supporting the regions transition to net zero." 

Kate van der Sluis - Managing Partner - Humber HR People  

What are you hoping for in 2024?

"For the region: the Devolution deals will be a game changer. We must work together and trade together, creating a sustainable regional economy that provides quality opportunities, has to be the ultimate goal. On a professional level, I’m excited for the next stage of growth for Humber HR People, in particular awarding the first Growth HR standard to our client partners in early 2024."

What’s your favourite place in the Humber?

"I have three: The top of the Wolds, the views are breathtaking; Humber Street in Hull and the old town for the food, company, and music; and 8 Acre Lake near North Cave for wild swimming."

Debra Gray MBE - Principal and CEO - Hull College

For 2024, Debra is looking forward to seeing Hull College take its place as one of the best FE and Skills providers in the country and supporting the future skills needs of the Humber region.

And her favourite place? She says "I love the view from the 8th floor of the college, you can see the full span of the Humber and out to the sea, it is an iconic view and absolutely stunning when the sun is shining."

Credit: Dave Pickersgill / The view from floor seven of Hull College / CC BY-SA 2.0

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