The region's economic potential has been showcased in an effort to boost investment.
Mayor Luke Campbell has welcomed the UK’s Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell, in a visit to Hull and East Yorkshire to strengthen business ties and drive investment.
The visit, part of the government’s ‘domestic roadshow’, aims to connect ambassadors and high commissioners with local leaders and businesses in order to support them to expand into key growth-driving markets.
It builds on an already thriving trading relationship with the UK’s second biggest trading partner Germany, which is worth almost £150 billion and supports thousands of jobs across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Ambassador Mitchell’s visit included a tour of Siemens Mobility’s state-of-the-art rail manufacturing facility at the Goole 36 enterprise zone – a £240 million investment, creating 1,000 high-skilled jobs.
Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell MBE, said:
"Hull and East Yorkshire is a region built on hard work, resilience and pride.
"My focus is on creating the right conditions for growth, so opportunity reaches every corner of our region. I want to make this a place where businesses can thrive, and residents can access good jobs with real prospects.
"I'm confident about our future, and ready to work with others to bring new ideas, investment and energy to the region."
Yorkshire and the Humber contributes significantly to this partnership, accounting for 4.2 per cent of UK goods exports to Germany and 5 per cent of total imports.
Siemens is a shining example of this – working with the local community to help develop the next generation of engineers through their apprenticeship programme and school engagement projects.
The Siemens Gamesa wind turbine blade factory at Greenport Hull last year announced a contract worth more than £1 billion with ScottishPower, which is supporting 1,300 local jobs.
UK Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, said:
"It’s exciting to be in Hull and East Yorkshire – developing the relationships that will supercharge growth in every corner of the UK.
"The UK Government’s Plan for Change and our new Industrial Strategy is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to using these roadshow discussions to showcase Hull and East Yorkshire on the international stage."
The visit is an important step in Hull and East Yorkshire’s journey to becoming a hub for international business and innovation.
Alongside the Mayor, Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority plays an active role in regional and national forums, giving the region a stronger voice and a clear route to government.
Devloution means the Combined Authority can now act as a single point of contact for investors and the government, streamlining processes with clear agreements and timelines.
