Wendy
1/30/2026 10:18:16 AM
4 mins read
Future Humber has brought together senior national, regional and business leaders for an exclusive Principal & Major Partner Dinner in Hull, focused on how a confident, connected regional voice can unlock investment, accelerate collaboration and deliver long-term impact.
The dinner was headlined by Lord Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, and reflected Future Humber’s place-first role in acting for the long-term interests of Humber and creating the conditions for leadership-level dialogue at a pivotal moment for the region.
Delivered in partnership with Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the evening brought together around 45 senior business and civic leaders from Future Humber’s Bondholder network, exclusively drawn from its Principal and Major Partners. These organisations represent some of Humber’s most influential employers, investors and institutions. Representation from all four local authorities and both mayoral combined authorities - Hull and East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire - underlined the importance of alignment and collaboration across the region.
Ahead of the dinner, a senior pre-meeting provided space for focused discussion on Humber’s priorities and opportunities, reinforcing the value of trusted relationships and early alignment.
The evening was hosted by Andrew Dawes, Chair of Future Humber and Regional Director for Humber at Associated British Ports (ABP), and explored how leadership across business, public sector and government can work together to strengthen Humber’s influence and contribution to the UK economy.
Andrew Dawes, Chair of Future Humber, said:
“Humber’s strength lies in its ability to come together and speak with confidence as one place. This dinner was about convening leadership across sectors and geographies to focus on what matters most for the region, and how a united pan-Humber voice can help turn ambition into lasting impact.”
In his keynote address, Lord Stockwood engaged directly with regional leaders on Humber’s national significance, the importance of confidence and clarity in attracting investment, and the role of collaboration in supporting sustainable economic growth.
Lord Jason Stockwood, Minister for Investment, said:
“The Humber is where I am from, and I wear that proudly. Its contribution to the UK’s economic future cannot be overstated. I’m grateful to Future Humber for bringing together leaders from business and local government to champion the region’s ambitions.
“By working together with a clear, confident voice, we can attract long-term investment, drive innovation and secure the sustained growth that communities across the Humber deserve.”
The dinner was delivered in partnership with Wilkin Chapman Rollits, a pan-Humber law firm and the largest legal practice in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, reflecting a shared commitment to leadership, collaboration and Humber’s long-term success.
Chris Grocock, Senior Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, said:
“As a pan-Humber firm with deep roots across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, we see first hand the value of strong regional leadership and alignment. We were pleased to partner with Future Humber on this dinner and to support the space it created for senior leaders to come together, share perspectives and focus on Humber’s future. These kinds of agenda-setting conversations are essential for building confidence and enabling long term growth across the region.”
Through its trusted reach across business, public sector and government, Future Humber continues to bring people, places and priorities together, aligning ambition and strengthening Humber’s collective influence.
Future Humber works with organisations through its influential Bondholder network to support leadership-level collaboration and long-term impact. Organisations of every size and sector have a voice, and those interested in playing an active role in shaping Humber’s future are encouraged to engage with Future Humber. For further information, contact leahann.barnes@futurehumber.com.
