An assessment across many industries in Hull and East Yorkshire would show they have something to be proud of in terms of productivity and their levels of innovation.
The region is home to world class research and development facilities, such as Reckitt’s global Research & Development HQ, the University of Hull’s Allam Medical building and the Outstanding rated Ron Dearing University Technical College.
Other international household names such as Siemens, Smith & Nephew, INEOS, Croda, Crown Paints and Ideal Heating have all invested in the area.
Hull and East Yorkshire is also a national leader in specialist caravan and mobile home manufacturing, as well as featuring some of the nation’s largest food manufacturers, supported by the agri-food sector, providing a base to strengthen the area’s economic performance.
The recently established Humber Freeport also supports medi-health technologies, catalysing on proposed investment plans within this sector and it is key to providing opportunities to address productivity challenges.
The proposed devolution deal on the table for Hull and East Yorkshire would help the region to build on this success by ensuring powers for training, skills and opportunities are held at a local level to help local people into jobs and would build on the recent success of the Bootcamps programme.
The proposed deal would provide further powers to a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) to continue to develop the area’s manufacturing capabilities.
The region has benefitted greatly from the offshore wind sector and, as part of the deal, up to £5 million could be invested in 2024/25 to support local economic growth priorities, including any further expansion of Siemens Gamesa at Alexandra Dock in Hull.
This would support the creation of new local jobs on top of the thousands already employed by Siemens Gamesa in Hull, whilst also potentially securing the industry’s long-term future in the region.
The fantastic work started with Greenport Hull and has been continued through the Employment Hub which is running the assessment centres for Siemens Gamesa’s current round of recruitment to ensure these jobs are secured by local people.
Devolution would ensure post-16 provision is tailored to the needs of the area and would enhance study programmes, traineeships, bootcamps, multiply and apprenticeship-based training and careers advice.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Hull and East Yorkshire has a proud record of supporting itself, particularly when it comes to employment opportunities.
“A large proportion of the region’s workforce live in this area and, with external support and funding which a devolution deal would bring, there would be the opportunity to provide long-term sustainability.
“Hull City Council wants to provide provisions for our residents to gain necessary skills and qualifications to fill these vacancies and the deal on the table supports that.
“This not only supports our residents, but also our local businesses.
“From listening to the people of Hull, we know that’s what they want, so it’s important that they fill in the consultation and have their say.”
You can have your say on the devolution proposals here.
