Lord Haskins named 2015 Ambassador at the Business Masters

THE former chairman of Northern Foods and current chairman of Humber Local Enterprise Partnership Lord Haskins won the Ambassador award, sponsored by Hays Recruitment, at the 2015 Business Masters.

Lord Haskins also represented business interests as a board member of Yorkshire Forward for a decade and was chairman of the Yes4Yorkshire campaign which sought to bring devolution to Yorkshire through a regional assembly. He now sits on a Parliamentary committee on small and medium enterprises.

The judging panel chose Lord Haskins because of the impact he continues to have in promoting both the Humber economy and Yorkshire’s food and drink sector, providing a strong voice in Whitehall for both.

He said: “The main success has been to get the world to recognise the energy estuary. The Humber is of strategic importance nationally, that’s the main achievement – it’s now happening.

“Two things are going on. The Humber perceptions of itself were rather low and they are quite a bit higher now.

“External perceptions were lower than I would have liked but we are moving in the right direction. There’s a greater degree of self confidence than at any time in the 50 years I have lived there.

“The fact that the energy estuary idea has taken off has convinced people that there is something going on.”

Although Lord Haskins was unable to pick up the award in person, he was honoured to be chosen.

He said: “I’m very pleased to receive the award as I have lived in the region for 50 years and it’s nice to feel you’re recognised.”