What a great way to end a packed week!
At Humber Business Day on Friday, I met energetic business people from across our region. I also had chance to set out some of my priorities, and equally importantly my values and commitment to serving local people.
Congratulations to all the event organisers across Humber Business Week – who give their time freely to make it such a success. It’s a real tribute to the culture of partnership working across a huge range of industry sectors and business types and sizes. Thanks also to many organisations including Future Humber, the Chamber of Commerce, Bridlington Spa and the University of Hull who play such a big role for us all year round as well as making this week happen.
I enjoyed a long, and quite intense, interview on the main stage with Gyles Brandreth on Friday!
Then it was on to a lively session full of banter and positive vibes in the afternoon with the two council leaders and three dynamic young entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Discussions during the various sessions, on the stands I visited, and with people I met, actually brought together some of the key areas I am focussing on.
At the University, I heard more about their UK-leading work in providing AI education, which is right at the heart of our ambitions to develop a major specialist cluster here. It’s also one of the reasons I am backing two neighbouring areas’ bids to host new AI Data Centres.
Friday afternoon’s event covered another essential priority for me – improving opportunities for young people. I was able to talk about the need for more affordable housing, especially for first time buyers. It all feeds into how as a Combined Authority we can help join-up development approaches, including the role of housing for young people in regenerating city centres.
We also covered topics like transport connectivity - people need to be able to get to work including to and from rural and coastal areas – and skills. When we take on the £16 million annual Adult Skills Fund budget in future, we will be able to ensure training on offer to young people matches what our existing and future powerhouse sectors need.
Best of all, I got to listen to people right across the business world, part of my commitment to listening and making plans and decisions with people, not for people.