Grimsby Businesses encouraged to “Get Ready” for Humber Business Week 2026

Preparations are gathering pace for Humber Business Week (HBW) 2026, with businesses across the region being encouraged to get involved early as the calendar of events begin filling up.

The Humber Business Week ‘Get Ready’ event took place on Thursday 5 February at the Holiday Inn Express in Grimsby. Around 40 attendees gathered to learn more about the week-long programme, why it matters for the Humber region and how local businesses can take part by hosting and attending events.

Pat Coyle, Chair of Humber Business Week, told delegates that regular hosts have already begun booking their slots for the annual festival of business, which returns in the first week of June.

Other steering group members also addressed attendees, including Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, who spoke about the value of both hosting and attending events throughout the week.

He highlighted the variety of sessions available and encouraged businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to learn, be inspired and make valuable connections across both sides of the Humber.

Alison Mitchell, Head of Marketing at Forrester Boyd, also spoke at the event, outlining how straightforward it is to host a session during HBW. She shared key deadlines for event submissions to ensure inclusion in the official programme, which will launch towards the end of April.

Humber Business Week 2026 will begin on Monday 1 June, with staple events including the Future Humber Breakfast at the MKM Stadium in Hull.

Closer to home, the Economic Business Breakfast returns following its success last year. Hosted at the Grimsby Institute, the event will welcome Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), who will share expert insights and economic updates.

The week will then conclude with Business Day at Bridlington Spa.

Attendees also heard about plans already in place for a number of additional events across the Humber region and were encouraged to submit their sessions early to benefit from the exposure and reach that Humber Business Week provides.

Helen Roberts and Kay Williams, who run sessions on leadership, change and other key business issues, as well as their Talented Women development programme, also spoke at the event about the value of meaningful connections.

Kay Williams said:
“Business Week brings people together through its human connections. Sometimes one conversation is all it takes.”

The next major milestone will be the official programme launch towards the end of April. Mirror events will be held on both the North and South Banks of the Humber, giving businesses from across the region the opportunity to attend. Full details will be announced on the Humber Business Week website.

Pat Coyle added:
“That’s the first events of Humber Business Week 2026 ticked off! Please get involved and register your events as soon as possible so we can champion them and help you reach the right audience. We need to keep the momentum going. Humber Business Week really is an opportunity to showcase our region and when talent meets opportunity, who knows what can happen.”

Businesses interested in hosting an event are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their place in the official programme.

For more information about Humber Business Week 2026 and how to get involved, visit: www.humberbusinessweek.co.uk