New economic strategy revealed for city

City leaders from the public and private sector are coming together today to launch an ambitious economic strategy for Hull.

“Hull’s Economic Strategy 2021-2026 – Inclusive, Sustainable, Local” outlines a five-year vision of economic growth.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull is an unashamedly ambitious city and this strategy reflects that ambition.

“Our economic strategy will build on Hull’s successes and capitalise on its strengths; creating a shared vision for the city to own and collectively deliver.”

The strategy is being launched in the new headquarters of Hull-based company Arco, whose relocation to the Fruit Market area is a major part of the long-term vision for the city centre’s regeneration.

Thomas Martin, chairman of Arco Ltd and chair of Hull’s Business Leadership Board is one of the city leaders from the private sector launching Hull’s economic strategy.

He said: “This strategy is for the city, its people, anchor institutions, and businesses to own and deliver.

“Working together we can produce a regional hub for high skills, high productivity, and economic growth where businesses, people and place come together to create clean and sustainable prosperity.”

The new economic strategy has been created following the success of Hull’s 10-year City Plan which launched in 2013 and set out to create 7,000 jobs within the city.

By 2020, more than 20,000 jobs had been delivered and more than £3.5bn worth of investment secured.

The strategy’s initial focus is on continuing to recover from the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 moving towards a city that is cleaner, greener, fairer, and more inclusive.

It aims to exceed previous employment, productivity, and growth levels across three interlinking themes people; place; and productivity.

Alex Codd assistant director of economic development and regeneration, Hull City Council, said: “Hull will put its green city and business credentials into practice by being a leader in the cultivation of a highly productive, globally connected, circular economy that promotes social equity.

“We will build on the wide range of partnerships that exist across the city helping to deliver on the commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“Our strategy seeks to deliver an inclusive economy built on sustainable economic principles. Renewal is not just about the built environment but must include social change, inclusion and health improvements.

“We are aiming higher in terms of knowledge and quality of jobs and business competitiveness, and also deeper in terms of long-term societal benefits.”

Cllr Hale added: “Our economic strategy aims are to create a fairer, more inclusive economic growth for all our residents and businesses.

“To deliver a growing and resilient city, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs. And providing a better future for all the people of Hull.

“Hull will be a place where everyone matters and all our communities have the opportunity to benefit from sustainable economic growth.”