Why Investors Are Eyeing Hull And East Yorkshire At The UKREiiF Event In Leeds

If you’ve ever wondered how places like Hull and East Yorkshire attract new businesses, jobs and money, here’s something exciting happening right now. The newly elected Mayor, Luke Campbell MBE, isn’t just sitting behind a desk. He’s out there, making moves to put the region front and centre with people who can actually make big things happen.

Putting Hull and East Yorkshire on the map

Let’s be honest, a lot of people still think of Hull as just a port town, or maybe they vaguely remember a rugby match there. But Mayor Luke’s got bigger plans. He’s out to show the world what the area has to offer – and not just in theory. He’s already speaking to thousands of people at a major three-day event called UKREiiF (short for the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) happening in Leeds from 20 May.

Now, this isn’t just any event. We’re talking over 16,000 people – everyone from global investors and developers to UK housebuilders and major business leaders. Basically, the kind of people who can write million-pound cheques.

So, what’s actually on offer?

Hull and East Yorkshire aren’t just pretty spots near the sea (though they’ve got that too). The Mayor is pitching the region as the full package – think countryside, coastline, buzzing towns and serious industry. It’s got the kind of mix you don’t often find in one place.

He’s been sharing how the region’s already doing well in areas like:

• Agriculture and food
• Manufacturing
• Digital and medi-tech
• Shipping and trade
• Green energy and energy security

That’s a lot of boxes ticked. And with the Humber Freeport in play – a zone that gives businesses special tax and trade benefits – it’s even more appealing to international firms.

Real-world benefits for people living here

This isn’t just about shiny buildings or boardroom deals. The Mayor’s point is pretty simple: if more businesses come here, that means more jobs. Better jobs. And people won’t have to move away to find good work. That matters, especially if you’re from the area and want to stay close to family, but still build a proper career.

Luke Campbell put it like this:

“Attracting more inward investment will be key to creating prosperity for everyone here... so we retain our talented people here in Hull and East Yorkshire.”

Makes sense, right?

It’s not just talk – it’s action

This isn’t Mayor Luke’s first rodeo. Since being elected, he’s already:

• Represented Hull and East Yorkshire at the launch of The Great North campaign
• Met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury
• Spoken to other key political and industry figures

So when he says he wants to shout about the region, he’s actually doing it. At UKREiiF, he’ll be taking part in panel talks, sitting in on big-deal meetings, and connecting with people who can help make all this stuff real.

One big session he’s part of will focus on the Humber Freeport, pitching it as a major global trade hub – not just for cargo, but for new ideas, innovation, and jobs.

Why now?

It’s fair to ask, “Why is all this happening now?” Well, timing is everything. With the UK looking to boost its regions outside of London, and with more attention on sustainability and new technologies, places like Hull and East Yorkshire are suddenly a hot topic.

The Mayor is making sure they stay in the conversation – and that when big companies are deciding where to set up their next office, factory, or research lab, they’re thinking about East Yorkshire first.

The bottom line

If you live in Hull or anywhere nearby, this could mean real changes down the line. More investment means:

• New job opportunities
• Better training and apprenticeships
• More choice for young people who want to stay local
• A stronger local economy

And if you're an investor or business leader? The Mayor’s basically saying, “We’ve got the space, the people, and the potential. Come be part of it.”

Want to keep an eye on what happens next? Check out more updates at hullandeastyorkshire.gov.uk