Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP) are reminding businesses and residents to have their say on the organisation’s ambitious five-year economic strategy for the Hull and East Yorkshire economy.

The LEP, which was formed in April, unveiled its first ever strategy for the region – the Economic Growth and Workforce Wellbeing Strategy in October – outlining a clear mission and vision for the economic future of the region up to the end of 2026.

The strategy sets out four key priorities the LEP believes will provide the drivers for growth and will ensure it is successful in its key mission of being a catalyst for economic growth in Hull and East Yorkshire, building a better quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the region through successful business-led initiatives and partnership working.

The four key priorities explored in the document are:

• ‘Ensuring a Productive and Innovative Economy’ – growing the economy for all, which aims to stimulate business growth, increase productivity and employment by developing the conditions in the HEY LEP region for business to start ups, innovation, investment and trade.
• ‘Clean Growth Economy’ – to maximise opportunities to drive economic growth in all the region’s green industries, whilst meeting targets to be a net zero carbon industrial cluster by 2040.
• ‘Skilled and Inclusive Economy’ – to deliver a highly skilled, healthy and productive workforce, reducing inequality and increasing life chances for all in our communities.
• ‘Competitive and Resilient Locations’ across our Hull and East Yorkshire region by enhancing the region’s infrastructure and natural assets to maximise their contribution to the HEY LEP economy and generate competitive locations to invest, live and visit.

This evidence-based strategy aligns with the economic strategies set out by both Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and proposes a joint approach with organisations across the HEY region and beyond by bringing the objectives of the strategy to life by working in partnerships with the LEP acting as convener and facilitator and providing access to services, resources, and support.

The strategy comes at an important time for the HEY region with the private sector the vital element in driving an economic recovery following the economic impact of the recent Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. It is, therefore, imperative that the region’s business and other important organisations in the region’s community have their say on these plans.

Stephen Parnaby OBE, Deputy Chair of HEY LEP, said: “The success of our strategy is dependent on it being informed by the most up to date and pertinent information – which is why its extremely important for Hull and East Yorkshire’s residents, businesses alike to submit their views.

“Whilst this Strategy may appear ambitious, we are clear that the goals we have set out are achievable. They have been built on a solid evidence base and are designed to ensure they benefit all communities in our region – which is also why we want as many different communities as possible to have their say on what will become our strategy for the region for the next five years.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that this strategy accurately reflects the knowledge, ambition and values of businesses and economic stakeholders in the Hull and East Yorkshire region, which is why it is imperative for local businesses and other organisations to engage with us and provide us feedback on the plans we have set out.”

If you would like to read the strategy and provide feedback on the questions set out within the document, please visit https://heylep.com/about-the-hey-lep/hey-lep-economic-growth-and-workforce-wellbeing-strategy/ and submit your comments before midnight on 14^th November.

Alternatively, all feedback or questions about the Economic Growth and Workforce Wellbeing Strategy can be emailed to consultation@heylep.com