Hull has been flagged up as the ideal place for investment at a major business conference.
City representatives were out in force at The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum. UKREiiF, as it is known, is a national event attracting 6,000 delegates, that aims to “connect people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment”.
The city council-led group focused on the connectivity offered by the city, with the full fibre infrastructure the envy of many.
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KCom, MS3 and C4DI joined the authority in Leeds, this year’s host, with the team taking to Royal Armouries’ Cinema Stage to discuss the fibre opportunity. Digital is seen as having huge potential, with expansion of the @TheDock campus and the emerging The Edge Hub just two latest steps following significant growth and relocation in Hull.
Alex Codd, Hull City Council’s assistant director for economic development and regeneration, said: “We were here for the inaugural event last year which was hugely successful. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have in Hull and what we have to offer for potential investors.
“One of our unique selling points is being the first fully connected city and that was made possible by KCom building a world-class full fibre broadband network in Hull.”
A regional showcase session allowed the council the opportunity to provide UKREiiF’s delegation of investors, developers, end-users and local authorities an insight into future plans and opportunities for the city and surrounding region.
Mr Codd raised the Western Docklands masterplan, with consultation recently completed, which identifies some major residential, commercial and leisure opportunities.
The team, under the Invest Hull brand, are dedicated to attracting new investment to the city. And such a focus is described as having drawn more than £5 billion into the city over the past decade with Siemens Gamesa, Reckitt and the University of Hull investing £750 million between them, creating hundreds of jobs.
Hull City Council leader, Cllr Mike Ross, said: “We are delighted to be able to attend UKREiiF again this year.
“Following the success of last year, we felt it was imperative to attend once again.
“It is a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase our city and share what we have to offer to potential investors and developers, whilst also highlighting the great work the council has already done.”
KCom chief executive Tim Shaw spoke at UKREiiF as part of the delegation.
He worked for Vodafone, T-Mobile and BT before arriving in Carr Lane in 2019, initially heading up network expansion before succeeding Dale Raneberg just over a year ago.
Mr Shaw said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have spoken at UKREiiF to help tell the world about all the benefits of doing business in Hull and its surrounding area. As a company with deep roots in the region we know what a fantastic place it is for businesses to invest and thrive. With a supportive local authority, our world leading full fibre infrastructure, a great pipeline of tech-savvy talent coming through from local colleges, affordable housing and high standard of living, I’d urge all investors to take a closer look at Hull.”
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