Humber students stage takeover at regional business week launch

Over 250 people from across the region attended the event, which launched this year's Humber Business Week. This is Humber: Flipping the Script brought business leaders and students together to explore opportunity, shape how Humber is seen and celebrate the stories driving the region’s future.

Pupils from Healing Academy and Sirius Academy North were given a leading role throughout the morning, interviewing senior leaders and sharing their own views on the opportunities available to young people across Humber. Students took to the stage to interview Chair of Future Humber and Humber Director for ABP, Andrew Dawes, asking questions around ambition, pride in place and the future of the region.

Andrew Dawes, Chair of Future Humber, and Humber Director for ABP, said: “Too often, young people are talked about in conversations around skills, talent, and opportunity, rather than being involved in them. We wanted to change that and show that their stories and ambitions matter now, not just ‘someday’ in the future.

“In recent years, thousands of new jobs have been created across the Humber, giving young people the chance to build strong careers and stay rooted in the region. With continued investment, even more young people will be able to share in that growth.” 

“Industry has a role to play in connecting with and creating opportunities for the younger generation so they can ultimately lead the way. If we’re serious about shaping Humber’s future, and deliver its full potential, the next generation can’t just sit in the audience. They need to be part of the conversation itself.”

Amelia, Year 9 Healing Academy student, was one of the pupils taking part in the event.  She said: “We need more opportunities to gain work experience in the real world, not just find out about what careers might be available to us by searching social media or websites. Traditional education routes to careers aren’t for everyone and companies need to put themselves out there. To let young people know there’s a range of sectors they can go into, and that they’re welcome there.”

Hosted by Hull-born broadcaster Lucy Thompson, the film-inspired event incorporated storytelling, video, performance, audience interaction, and live conversation to challenge perceptions of the region, its industries, and career pathways.

Several of the region’s business and community leaders shared their personal stories, influencing pride in place and celebrating the grassroots stories that collectively form Humber’s identity, including

• Ian Sharp, Founder of Sharp House and Revolution Talent and Co-Owner of Scunthorpe United,
• Former England women’s football team player and Tigers Trust Mentor, Kaz Walker,
• Katy Robinson current holder of the UK’s Most Influential Woman in Construction award and Senior Project Manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council,
• Caine Wild, Managing Director, Wild Intervention.

Pupils also interviewed delegates as they arrived on a red carpet, and during audience participation, at the event.

This is Humber: Flipping the Script was the first in a raft of events organised by Future Humber as part of its support for this year’s Humber Business Week, which also includes

• the launch of a new training programme for future leaders at the Leading Through Change: The Skills Future Workplaces Need event,
• an industry insight event with Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership,
• hosting a table at the Humber Business Week lunch with regional leaders,
• Dr Diana Taylor, Managing Director, hosting a panel at Opportunity Humber,
• Elleanor Siddall, Digital Marketing Executive, speaking at Humber Tech Fest,
• Olly Burdett, Content and Design Executive, joining the panel at Charities Question Time Live.

Future Humber also helps develop the Humber business festival throughout the year, with their Head of Marketing and Communications, Paige McGowan, as Deputy Chair. 

Pat Coyle, Marketing and Business Development Consultant at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, and Humber Business Week Chair, said: “Future Humber is always at the heart of Biz Week, bringing fresh energy and inspiring events to the programme - connecting people, inspiring fresh thinking and helping make the week such a powerful celebration of business across Humber.”

Full details of Future Humber’s events can be found at www.futurehumber.com/events