More than 30 events designed to offer "something for everyone in business" have been confirmed as part of this year's Humber Business Week.
The event has been a staple of the region's business calendar for 15 years but was cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But this year Humber Business Week will return on the week beginning June 7.
Dozens of events will be running throughout the week, with a number touching on the impact of Covid-19 and covering topics such as business resilience, flexible working, business recovery strategies, and how businesses can adopt a "digital first" approach.
Commenting on the return of Humber Business Week, chair Kathy Lavery said: “I have to say I am overwhelmed by the strength and quality of events proposed for this year and I guess it goes to show that businesses truly value what Humber Business Week brings to the table and the positive impact it can have.
“With all the issues businesses have faced over the past 12 months, companies and organisations could have been excused for saying they just had too much on their plates at this time. There has been none of that though and there seems to be a renewed desire to be involved from many.
“Businesses want to share their experiences and learnings of the past 12 months and help others thrive in what is now a very different world.
"There are also many business support organisations which are passionate about using Humber Business Week to help ensure our region takes full advantage of the many new opportunities on the horizon.
“It is humbling, and quite thrilling as the programme will offer something for everyone in business.”
A number of businesses and entrepreneurs are playing a part in the week's events, including Paul Sewell, who was one of the founders of Humber Business Week more than 16 years ago.
He will be running his "Elevenses" series, which will include interviews with journalist and television presenter Steph McGovern, local business consultant David Hall, and a joint interview with Hull FC and Hull KR owners Adam Person and Neil Hudgell.
Mr Sewell said: “As one of the original founders of what ultimately became Humber Business Week as we now know it, I have been delighted to see the week continue to flourish for 15 years, and I really wanted to play a big part this year as it returns to the fold.
“I did an interview with John Prescott a couple of years ago and it went down really well, so that got me thinking about doing something similar this year.
“Then I thought that I’d approach a number of interesting people I have been fortunate enough to get to know throughout my career - people who have great stories to tell about their varied working careers and business – to create an interview series for the week.
“I am delighted with the quality of people who have agreed to take part and the aim is to make these interviews entertaining, engaging and informative, and something people can choose to tune into on a coffee break each day, between the many other excellent events being staged. I’m aiming for a mix of Parkinson and Piers Morgan!”.
The week of interviews will end with the tables being turned on Mr Sewell, who himself will be interviewed by former Labour Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson about his own career leading The Sewell Group – one of the region’s most successful firms - and his business memoir Half a Lettuce.
Former Conservative Party co-chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who was the first Muslim woman to serve in the British cabinet, will also be taking part in the event.
Organisations can still propose events to be staged during the week by contacting programme coordinator Sophie Auskerin via email S.C.Auskerin@hull.ac.uk, or by calling 01482 466115.
The full programme, detailing all events and how to book places, is to be announced during the week commencing April 26 and published on the
