As the curtain falls on another outstanding conference, we’re reflecting on three days at UKREiiF packed with meaningful connections, insightful discussions and genuine momentum for the Humber region.
This was Humber Freeport’s second year at UKREiiF, and what a difference twelve months makes! Since our debut last year, we’ve continued to build significant momentum, helping to secure more than £1 billion of pledged investment across our sites.
Major developments are happening, with Mitsubishi Chemical Group doubling its production capacity at Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull, and Siemens Gamesa extending its Alexandra Dock facility as part of its continued investment in the region.
Beyond that, the Freeport works closely with private and public sector partners to drive innovation and skills development across both banks of the estuary.
With growing interest from sectors including sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, solar and advanced manufacturing, the Humber region is increasingly being recognised as the place to invest.
UKREiiF provided the perfect platform for Humber Freeport to showcase this investment momentum, highlighting our distinctive proposition as a world-leading hub for green energy and advanced manufacturing.
Throughout the three days, our CEO Simon Green joined multiple panel discussions, consistently emphasising how collaboration has been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved over the last two years.
The conference also highlighted the transformative impact of our recent devolution deals, with both newly-elected Mayors – Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell and Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns – demonstrating their commitment to unified leadership and cross-regional collaboration.
Marcus Walker, Development Director at Able UK, highlighted the ambitious plans for the UK’s first offshore wind cluster port at Able Humber Port, which has the potential to create 7,000 jobs.
Mr Walker emphasised the significant interest already being shown in our tax sites, demonstrating the region’s compelling investment proposition.
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director at Wykeland Group and a Humber Freeport partner, captured the mood perfectly: “It feels like the Freeport is really starting to gather momentum across all of the sites.”
With 600 hectares of development-ready land across our sites, significant refinery capacity and strategic assets, plus our £25 million seed capital fund, the opportunities for large-scale investment are substantial.
Our Prop Star, Harry Hopkin from Sewell Advisory, reinforced key messages throughout the event, emphasising how the ports are a huge factor in attracting investment and highlighting the growing recognition that “the Humber is a place to invest.”
Amy Lambert, Head of Freeports and Investment Zones for the Department of Business and Trade, reinforced the Government’s recognition of our region’s unique position of national and international significance.
Over the three days, we’ve engaged with industry leaders, investors and stakeholders, all while maintaining a strong regional presence alongside representatives from all four local authorities and private sector partners including Wykeland Group, Sewell Group, Associated British Ports, Able UK, and the University of Lincoln.
If we had one message to share after UKREiiF 2025, it would be this … collaboration continues to be our key to success.
The unified voice we’ve presented – spanning public and private sectors, north and south banks of the Humber – demonstrates that our region is not just ready for investment, but actively driving it forward.
With retained business rates that can be reinvested through to 2046 and our focus on innovation and partnerships, the Humber’s future looks brighter than ever.
The momentum is building, and UKREiiF 2025 has been the perfect platform to prove it.
