Hull set to host prestigious UK Economic Development Conference 2010

Following detailed discussions and negotiations with the Humber Economic Partnership, the Institute of Economic Development has chosen the Hull to host its annual UK Economic Development Conference in October. The conference will be held at the Royal Hotel, Hull, on 6th and 7th of October and will attract the UK’s foremost economic development and regeneration practitioners.

This year’s theme, Gateways to the Future, reflects the Hull and Humber Ports City Region’s unique location. It will also encourage participants to consider other gateways, openings and opportunities such as pathways and incentives to work for the workless; restructuring for a low carbon economy; smart development, no-growth and the green agendas; and opportunities for place-making and marketing.

Key speakers at the conference include, Professor Alan Harding (Manchester University), Michael Dall (GVA Grimley), Professor Mark Hart (Aston University), Professor David Gibbs (Hull University) and Councillor David Parsons, who will discuss economic strategies and practices.

As part of the UK Economic Development Conference, attendees will participate in economic development workshops held by Yorkshire Forward, Hull University, the Audit Commission, CLES, Sheffield Hallam University and Scarborough Council.

The conference will also include a choice of four field trips to showcase the city-region’s economic development success stories. Visits will focus on Hull’s Regeneration Story, the Renaissance Programme for Bridlington, a housing and regeneration tour of Hull and East Riding Gateway and the South Humber Bank Gateway, including a visit to the Port of Immingham.

Mick King, Executive Manager at the Humber Economic Partnership, who led negotiations to bring the conference to the city region, said: “Holding the conference in our area is a significant coup for the Hull and Humber Ports City Region and it will highlight the excellent work carried out by those involved in economic practices - linked to the successful development and regeneration of the Humber Global Gateway.

“Hosting the conference, along with the workshops and field trips we have arranged to form part of the two-day event, will create the perfect opportunity to showcase how the city region has developed in recent years. It will also be our chance to show what work has been delivered on regeneration projects across the area and the positive impact this is making. This is a great opportunity to show that, 'it really is all happening in the Humber'.

“The conference will also enable other areas to share their policies, trends and practices to further enhance the quality of economic development throughout the UK. This is the main event in the Institute of Economic Development’s regeneration calendar, one which we feel privileged to welcome to the Humber city-region.”

Councillor Carl Minns, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is good news that the Institute of Economic Development has agreed to hold its annual conference in Hull. The city, and the wider city-region, attracts significant inward investment every year as more people learn about the great opportunities in our area. I am confident that once delegates have seen some of the innovative work we have delivered, they will speak highly of our superb city and the surrounding area. I am sure they will want to return, bringing visitors, businesses and potential investors back with them. I look forward to welcoming our distinguished guests.”

Sarah Pearson, Assistant Director Humber for Yorkshire Forward, said: “We are delighted to be the main sponsors of this year’s event alongside Hull City Council.  It will be a good opportunity to showcase the city region to the country’s leading economic development and regeneration experts. We are looking forward to highlighting all of the things that make the Humber city-region a very special place.”

Stephanie Wakefield, Executive Director at the Institute of Economic Development Education Trust, said: “We are all really excited about holding our annual conference in the Hull and Humber Ports City Region in October.

“Our organisation is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities, to the pursuit of best practice in economic development and to the attainment of the highest standard of professional training and competence. There are some great examples of these things in action in the Hull and Humber Ports City Region and we are delighted that Humber Economic Partnership has made this possible.”

For more information about the conference, please visit: www.economicdevelopmentconference.com