‘Make the Humber an energy estuary’

THE chairman of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has issued a rallying cry for action to turn the Humber into the UK’s “energy estuary”.

In an interview to coincide with the publication of the LEP’s first annual review, Lord Haskins said the LEP had succeeded by getting the coalition Government to concentrate on the estuary’s potential, after a period when it had suffered from neglect.

Business and political leaders believe plans to dramatically expand the UK’s offshore renewable industry could transform the fortunes of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

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Lord Haskins said: “In our first year we have really started to build up a head of steam.

“We have helped secure the largest Enterprise Zone in the country along with £65m of Regional Growth Funding.

“We have also helped secure a reduction in Humber Bridge tolls and received national recognition for our renewable energy potential. The progress made so far is a result of businesses, councils and education working together to achieve common goals.

“We must continue to develop those close bonds for the Humber to reach its potential.”

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The LEP has been responsible for creating the largest Enterprise Zone in the country, which gives investors access to a simplified planning process to speed up construction work, as well as enhanced capital allowances and property tax breaks.

The LEP has also secured £30m from the Regional Growth Fund and supported successful bids worth £35m, which will help create jobs and growth in the region. Its work has also led to the area being designated as a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering in The Treasury’s National Infrastructure Plan.

Lord Haskins, who is the former chairman of Northern Foods, leads the LEP’s 14-strong board of directors, which is made up of political and business leaders from across the region.

He said: “Our partnership began with a clear focus – on realising the potential of the Humber.

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“We have been operating for over a year now and by working with partners, we have firmly established the Humber LEP as a major force in setting the agenda for success in the region and driving it on towards economic prosperity. The Humber is now more focused and more determined. We have shared opportunities for growth and the knowledge that, by working together as one team, we can create a stronger, more prosperous economic future.” The LEP has developed a five-year growth plan, lobbied against the proposed static caravan tax increase and, together with the local authorities, was invited by the Government to submit a bid for a City Deal – which would see funding and decision-making devolved locally.

Lord Haskins said: “The role of the LEP is two-fold. On one hand we are here to secure inward investment – we are leading the efforts to get large, multinational firms to set up in the region.

“But secondly, and no less important, is the active role we have to support business and industry in the region through difficult times.

“This has included work on job losses at BAE Systems (in Brough) and lobbying hard against the proposed tax increase on static caravans.”