This week marks the dawn of a new era for our wider region.
The election of Luke Campbell as Mayor of the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Andrea Jenkyns as Mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire County Mayoral Combined Authority is a pivotal moment.
As a leading anchor institution and one of the region’s largest economic contributors, generating £1.2 billion GVA annually and supporting over 14,000 jobs, the University of Hull has reaffirmed its commitment to helping deliver ambitions for growth, innovation, and inclusive opportunity through the opportunities Devolution unlocks.
While this is a landmark moment for the wider region, the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Hull and East Yorkshire opens the door for a new level of collaboration for our university.
The University of Hull is ready to work closely with the combined authority to help shape and deliver shared priorities for Hull and East Yorkshire’s future.
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: "We are proud to play a central role in driving economic growth, improving health and wellbeing, and helping to shape a more resilient and inclusive future. We look forward to working closely with the mayor to deliver on our shared ambitions.
“We’re particularly keen to explore the potential for an Investment Zone, to help accelerate economic development, attract new industries and create high-quality jobs, all underpinned by world-leading university research and innovation.
“We’re already home to nationally significant assets such as the Aura Innovation Centre and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health Research.
“Similar zones in other regions are already demonstrating their potential to deliver substantial economic and social benefits by leveraging regional strengths.”
The University has a strong track record of collaboration, and we’re committed to continuing to work together to address shared challenges and grasp opportunities for growth through strong, strategic partnerships with local authorities, healthcare providers, businesses, and community groups.
One of Hull’s biggest employers, we’re proud to be accessible to all, aligned with the needs and ambitions of our partners, and we actively enable and encourage our staff and students to contribute to regional development.
Our academic programmes are aligned with economic needs, from green energy and advanced manufacturing to digital transformation. Our graduates are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world. Our outreach with schools and colleges, specialist training provision, and focus on social mobility ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the region.
We look forward to working with both combined authorities to deliver lasting change and support sustainable growth for our wider region.