Economic prospects of Humber area focus of project

A RESEARCH project aiming to map out the future economic landscape of the Humber region has been launched by the University of Hull.

The findings of the £50,000 Humber Economic Futures project will be based on a wide-ranging survey of  trends and developments and will utilise expertise from both Hull University’s Business school and Faculties of Science and Arts and Social Science.

The project will consider the potential economic and environmental impact of a wide range of industries, from port developments to the burgeoning renewable energy sector.

Findings will be made available for decision-making bodies to use them when establishing strategies in the area.

Professor David Grant, of Hull University Business School, said: “As proposals to establish a major offshore wind turbine manufacturing facility in Hull gain momentum, these are exciting times for the Humber region.

“But there is more to the region’s future economic prosperity than wind turbines. The region is poised to capitalise on growth in a number of other renewable energy projects, from bio-fuels to tidal power.
“Add to that substantial opportunities offered by the region’s ports and the picture becomes even more complex.

“Our aim with this project is to take a holistic view of all the major enterprises that are taking root around the Humber and try to show how they can reach their potential while ensuring that developers fulfil their social and environmental responsibilities.”

Following the establishment of a baseline measurement of the region’s current economic performance, researchers will look at the anticipated impact of major developments in the port and renewable energies sectors.

Assessments will then be made in order to determine how these future developments can meet the requirements for sustainable economic development.

The research team is working closely with the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) on the project.