The economic boost to be delivered by devolution has moved another step closer as council leaders have brought 22 business leaders together to form Hull and East Yorkshire’s new Business Board.
They will support and advise the development of the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s economic priorities, including delivery of a £400 million investment fund.
The Leaders of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Mike Ross and Councillor Anne Handley, will work with the Business Board members to make sure that the voice of the region’s business sector is heard in strategic decision making.
A deal to create the authority was signed off by the Government in September, and will lead to a mayoral election in May 2025.
The Board met for the first time on Friday 25 October, where it was agreed a Chair would be appointed at its next meeting on Friday 13 December.
Councillor Ross said: “The establishment of the Board is an important step forward on the path towards unlocking huge investment in our area.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of the diversity, experience and proactive business voice that the membership represents and look forward to their views feeding into the development of new economic strategies, allowing us to maximise the opportunities devolution brings.”
Councillor Handley said: “This is a crucial development in the devolution process and will play a key part in the region’s economic development.
“We’re looking forward to the benefits of devolution enabling the region to thrive, with the help of the board’s expertise and guidance.”
The Business Board is one of two new strategic groups that will provide support to the new governance structures of the Hull and East Yorkshire region, alongside a Skills Board.
