Northern Powerhouse Partnership chief executive Henri Murison has underlined the limitless role the Humber has to play for UK Plc.
The high profile figure has joined the board of Future Humber, the new brand given to bondholder organisation Marketing Humber.
Mr Murison is part of a 19-strong cohort behind the place marketing organisation, which has committed to a focus on people, partnerships and the planet as it evolves again, with several outlining why they have got involved and what they see as important.
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The ambassador for the North, who was part of the organisation’s Waterline Summit late last year, said: “The potential of the Humber and the crucial role it has to play, not only for the north, but the entire UK, is limitless. If we are to deliver a prosperous and sustainable future, it’s essential we unlock that potential and that’s what Future Humber and the bondholders aspire to. I’m delighted and proud to have been asked to join the board and look forward to us all working together towards this shared vision.”
Joining him is another high profile figure, Bruce Charlesworth, chief medical officer at Reckitt. He is also the lead executive for the sprawling Hull operation, and worked with the organisation around the time of the £105 million investment in the company’s Science and Innovation Centre. Since then it has returned to the name it was founded under in the city.
He said: “The brand of Future Humber captures the essence of our intent very simply and powerfully and the relaunch is truly inspiring.
“The Humber region represents a living lab in many ways. There’s a genuine opportunity to demonstrate what can be achieved by passionate people, then amplified on a national or global scale.
“I have every confidence that with such a strong board of directors, we will achieve great things, showcase the region and leave a legacy. It’s an exciting time.”
Paul Fursey, Phillips 66 lead executive for the UK and general manager at Humber Refinery has recently returned to the region, taking up the top position with his career employer. He said: “I’m delighted to join the new extended board at the time of the launch of Future Humber and am looking forward to supporting their great work promoting the region.
“It is imperative that, as a region, we work together to tackle the challenges and opportunities within the Humber. We all know that Humber is key to the country’s net zero ambitions and for us to achieve that we need to be heard as one strong voice, a voice highlighting the plethora of investment opportunities and the investment and jobs those opportunities can bring to the region.”
Another taking a key role recently is Prof Dave Petley, vice-chancellor of the University of Hull. He also spoke at The Waterline event while in his first academic year in the city. He said: “The Humber is a region of enormous potential. It plays a pivotal role in energy security for the UK and beyond and has a tremendous record of innovation and entrepreneurship across a diverse range of sectors.
“It is a region of deeply passionate people and it is ideally placed to thrive. We’re excited about the future for the Humber and the role that the University of Hull will play in it. We’re also proud to work with the bondholders to forge a great future for the region.”
SME representation is also strong.
Simon Dwyer, chief executive of Seafox Management Consultants, heads up Grimsby FMA and is a key player in the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance. He said: “The emphasis that Future Humber will provide the region is a welcome step-change.
“The industries I work closely with, especially in seafood processing, are focused on decarbonisation and talent. We look forward to collaborating with the Bondholders on this exciting journey for the Humber.”
Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding and Yorkshire, Deb Oxley OBE, has her eponymous consultancy Oxley Works, while chairing CatZero and Ownership at Work. She has recently become the independent chair of a trust set up to steer Sewell Group’s steps into employee ownership. She said: “The relaunch comes at exactly the right time, as the region needs to double down on its efforts to challenge policy makers and influencers to recognise its importance and future economic potential.
“Every business in the Humber, and especially the region’s significant SME and family-owned business community, who underpin the region’s economy, should be reassured to hear that Future Humber is grasping ownership of ensuring that its future potential can be realised.”
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