East Yorkshire firms join forces in bid to boost tourism and economy

The VHEY Strategic Partners will support 1,800 organisations operating in the sector. According to the group, over 21,000 people are directly employed in the visitor economy, with thousands of others that are dependent on its success.

The new community of businesses has said it will work “collaboratively and proactively” to “promote the region nationally and internationally, to ensure it is resilient and it prospers”.

Chris Blacksell, chair of VHEY, said: “We’re really excited to launch the VHEY Strategic Partners programme.

“The partners are a powerful network of leaders who understand that success for our region will lead to success in business. This will create a stronger, more prosperous region for us all.”

Funding generated from the programme is being reinvested to support various businesses operating in the visitor economy across Hull and East Yorkshire.

VHEY said partners on the scheme would also benefit from visibility at its events, which include the annual REYTAs tourism awards and its Tourism Conference.

Hull Trains was one of the first businesses to sign up as a VHEY Strategic Partner. Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships, said: “Hull Trains is truly committed to being a VHEY Strategic Partner.

“We bring thousands of people in and out of Hull and East Yorkshire each and every month, and we ensure our partnerships support the region’s economic prosperity.

“The visitor economy is critical for this part of the world. It has such a tremendous cultural offer – whether that’s the city centre, the coast or the countryside. There really is something for everyone.

“We’re proud to play an active role in showcasing and celebrating that offer, on a national and international scale.”

VHEY is funded by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and supported by private sector businesses.

The group is nationally accredited by VisitEngland as a Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP), with the LVEP Advisory Board including representatives from prominent businesses and networks in the regional visitor economy.

VHEY also earlier this year launched its Conference Champions campaign, calling on business professional and industry experts who have influence to help bring conferences and other events to the region.

Sound, stage and lighting equipment company HPSS has also committed to being a Strategic Partner on VHEY’s new scheme.

Hugh Jones, founder and Director of the business, said: “At HPSS, we’ve always valued cooperation, partnership and working together to create events.

“We’ve been involved in a lot of VHEY events, and we’ve seen first-hand the great work they do to promote businesses and visitor attractions in the region.

“The visitor economy is vital to what we do. We’re very passionate about designing and creating events that are memorable, to help promote the region. Getting involved in the Strategic Partnership programme is vital to that.”

PR, comms and media liaison company Lyon PR is another Strategic Partner. Founder and managing director Rick Lyon, said: “This region has so much to offer, and we’re stronger when we work together – so the more organisations that join the Strategic Partners programme, the better it will be for all of us.

“We have such a breadth of different businesses working in the visitor economy, and they need support. That’s what VHEY’s Strategic Partners programme is providing.”

Mr Blacksell added: “Our Strategic Partners are an influential group who positively seek to develop connections, create synergies and influence the development and promotion of the region’s visitor economy.

“The organisations champion and invest in activity to support the delivery of effective destination marketing and economic growth for the area, and use their shared expertise to influence wider visitor economy investment. This, in turn, will support our communities to thrive and experience a great quality of life.”