Young visionaries and regional leaders unite at The Business Day in pan-Humber showcase

Future Humber, Humber Freeport and the Humber Energy Board delivered a standout session at The Business Day, bringing together three of the region’s most influential elected leaders and three rising stars from the Humber’s next generation.

Held at Bridlington Spa at the end of Humber Business Week 2025, Hull City Council leader Cllr Mike Ross and East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Anne Handley were joined in the hot seat by newly-elected Hull & East Yorkshire Mayor, Luke Campbell MBE.

The session – titled ‘Humber – Securing a Brighter Future’ – saw the trio of leaders have their knowledge and expertise put to the test by three rising stars of the region’s business community.

Owen Clater, CEO of digital marketing agency Becks & Clates, Marguerite Aduh, Response Technician at Phillips 66 UK, and Benjamin Turney-White, Product Design Apprentice at Ideal Heating.

The fast-paced session formed a key part of The Business Day, the showpiece finale of Humber Business Week 2025 held at Bridlington Spa.

Themes tackled on the day included apprenticeships and skills, inclusive workplaces, entrepreneurship, innovation, and how the Humber can lead in delivering a greener, fairer economic future.

Dr Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, said: “This event was a powerful demonstration of what can happen when we work together across place, energy and opportunity. 

“Through this collaboration, we created a stage not just for dialogue – but for action. Our region’s elected leaders showed they are listening to our next generation. Now we must all act to build the future they are calling for.”

Ben Turney-White joined UK heating market leader Ideal Heating four years ago as a degree apprentice. 

He is working in the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) team while studying at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Ben asked leaders how the region can put apprenticeships at the heart of its strategy to drive a green industrial revolution.

Sitting alongside Ben was Marguerite Aduh, a Response Technician at Phillips 66 UK. Marguerite asked leaders what the Humber must do to attract diverse talent and create a workforce where people feel that they truly belong.

The final next-generation leader was Owen Clater, CEO of digital marketing agency Becks & Clates.

As an 18-year-old entrepreneur who runs his own business and employs seven people, Owen challenged the leaders on how the region can stimulate more people like himself.

The session was a product of strong cross-sector collaboration. Future Humber, working in partnership with Humber Freeport and the Humber Energy Board, designed and delivered the event to showcase the value of generational leadership and regional unity. 

Hosted by Ross Bennett of Engaging Education, the session was skilfully facilitated to encourage honest, focused dialogue between senior figures and emerging voices, setting the tone for an open and engaging exchange between senior figures and emerging voices. 

The goal: to place young voices at the heart of strategic conversations and give elected leaders a live platform to respond to their priorities.

Simon Green, Chief Executive of Humber Freeport, said: “This session brought energy, challenge and clarity to the region’s most important conversations. 

“As a partnership, we’re committed to turning these insights into outcomes. The Humber’s future will be shaped by the talent we retain and the leadership we nurture – and this event was an important milestone in that journey.”

Jonathan Oxley, CEO of the Humber Energy Board, added: “Clean growth is not just a technological opportunity – it’s a generational mission. 

“The Humber Energy Board is proud to support initiatives that give future leaders the confidence, platform and backing they need to influence the region’s transformation.”

Together, the three convening partners represent the voice of place, the force of clean growth, and the drive for economic transformation. Their joint effort created a fast-paced, interactive environment in which honest questions could be asked – and real commitments could be made.

Each of the Next Gen leaders brought a unique challenge to the panel. From creating greater access to high-quality apprenticeships, to building inclusive, diverse workplaces, and removing barriers for young entrepreneurs, the questions reflected lived experience and the hopes of a new generation.

Responding to the discussion, Mayor Luke Campbell pledged to introduce regular forums for young entrepreneurs to share experiences and co-design regional solutions. 

Cllr Handley emphasised the need to elevate apprenticeships and vocational education as first-choice pathways. Cllr Ross echoed the need for deep collaboration across the Humber, stating that young voices must be continually part of shaping future policy.

The session drew a full audience and sparked meaningful conversations beyond the room, with many attendees continuing to reflect on the challenges and ideas raised by the panel.

By the end of the session, all contributors – both emerging and established – made one-sentence commitments to help build a region where every generation can lead. The breakout event left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision for a united Humber future.

The session was a defining example of what’s possible when collaboration leads, and when every voice is valued in shaping the road ahead.