Businesses invited to debate on region’s economic future

The opportunities for growth and how the economy is performing are some of the issues that will be discussed in the free event at the Hallmark Hotel in North Ferriby.

The audience will be able to ask questions of a panel comprising Hull Council leader Carl Minns, East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby, the commercial and finance director of Hull-based telecoms firm KC, Sean Royce, and Richard Tuplin, director of the Insurance Partnership and chairman of the Institute of Directors East Yorkshire (Humber) branch.

Coun Minns said the region’s economy was well placed to progress while he conceded there were tough times ahead.

He said: “I’m confident we can continue to harness the energy and commitment of local business people and the public sector to secure our region’s economic future during difficult times ahead.”

The panel will be guided by questions from the floor and debate the key issues affecting the Hull and East Riding economy, the outlook for growth this year, and how organisations can play their part in driving the economy forward.

Mr Royce said the event would be of interest to both the public and private sectors, and that the possibility of the region becoming an Enterprise Zone would also be discussed.

He said: “This event is a great opportunity for people who have a stake in the region’s success to join the debate about how to create the best possible environment where local businesses and residents can thrive.

“This is absolutely the hot topic within both the public and private sectors at the moment as the face of the UK economy changes in the wake of the financial crisis, and new opportunities such as Enterprise Zones emerge, which could provide a real boost to our local economy.”

The Business Question Time event is being jointly hosted by local branches of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Directors.

Delegates are invited to arrive at 5.30pm with the main event taking place from 6pm to 8pm.

To book in advance visit www.accaglobal.com/hul.