Inward investors in the Humber - and those seeking to attract more - have welcomed the successful freeport bid.
Ineos and Pensana are both expanding operations at Saltend Chemicals Park, part of the new economic zone created with the blessing of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget.
Pensana, a rare earth mining specialist that is starting a supply chain for magnet metals - used in offshore wind turbines and electric vehicles - is currently in the planning process for a complex chemical engineering plant on the East Yorkshire site.
Chairman Paul Atherley said: “We are delighted that the 海角视频 Government has awarded freeport status to the Humber. Chancellor Sunak has announced that freeports will help the 海角视频 to ‘replace industries of the past with green, innovative, fast growing new businesses’ and Pensana exemplifies that pledge.
“It supports our view that it is no longer acceptable for British and European companies to import the raw materials critical to the green economy from unsustainable sources.
“We look forward to accounting for freeport benefits in greater detail within the business plan the company will announce imminently.”
December’s acquisition of BP’s chemical business saw Ineos go from being an employer of 40 to 340 at Saltend, as it reunited two parts of a chemistry set.
The deal had been announced last summer, just as freeport plans were being drawn up.
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Richard Longden, group communications manager, addressed Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on Friday.
He said: “We have been in Hull for many years, and now just increased in size. These are exciting times right across the business, particularly in the Humber region, and it is perfect timing with the news from the Chancellor this week.
“A freeport in the Humber will be transformational for the economy and for our business in Hull. lt is going to be extremely important for other businesses in the whole area, and the north of England.
“We actively want to be a participant in the Energy Estuary as we make the transition to zero carbon. We are looking to play a role as an active business, securing jobs in the region as part of a thriving cluster, hopefully now going from strength to strength following the news of the freeport.”
Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, paid tribute to the efforts of North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham, as chair of the unitary leaders’ group, for working with ABP on the bid.
“The freeport has been successful in the Budget and I think Rob as well as the rest of the team, and indeed Martin Vickers [Cleethorpes and Immingham MP and chair of all-party parliamentary group on freeports] deserve huge credit for ensuring that we now have a freeport in the area, which is an important new development in our progress of the pan-Humber element of our economy, and how that grows and development.
“It will be extremely interesting as it progresses over the next 10 years or so.”
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Former Chamber colleague Richard Kendall, director of business and strategy at Humber LEP, appeared at a parliamentary committee hearing into green jobs shortly after the Budget announcement, with members keen to hear how Energy Estuary success could be replicated.
Citing the Humber Freeport bid,Greenport partnership and work with Catch on industrial decarbonisation as examples, he told how collaboration on skills development, business support and innovation were key,
“The Chancellor’s Budget announcements on the Humber Freeport and AMEP earlier that day were a major boost for the Humber’s plans, and we hope for further positive news on other projects in the weeks and months ahead,” he said.
Of his appearance, he added: “This was a great opportunity to showcase some of what partners around the Humber have achieved over the last 10 years and the huge amount of potential that lies ahead in offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.
“The scale of the opportunity here is unmatched in the 海角视频, so nowhere is better placed than the Humber to lead the green recovery.”
The super tax deduction - offering 130 per cent relief on capital investment - was also welcomed by an East Yorkshire business that is extending its presence.
Gary Corlyon, managing director of Rix Group-owned Victory Leisure Homes, has just opened a new manufacturing base in Hull, in addition to the Gilberdyke headquarters and original caravan and park lodge building site.
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“The tax super deduction is welcome news to Victory Leisure Homes, as I’m sure it is to all manufacturers that were affected by the lockdown resulting from coronavirus," he said.
“Managing production in accordance to the changing government restrictions was difficult, and though we’re now busier than ever, in part due to the staycation boom, the tax super deduction enables us to invest in vital equipment that will help us to expand further as a business.”
The business employs more than 2000 people, and turns out more than 1,000 holiday homes a year.