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A networking group which helps to support and retain young talent in Hull’s business community grew during lockdown, and now boasts more than 400 members.

The Hull Young Professionals (HYP) group is going from strength-to-strength, building impressive numbers in the legal, finance, property and marketing sectors.

As many continue working from home, networking is seen as more important than ever before; providing a channel to engage, socialise and create personal contacts in business.

Local employers support HYP through sponsorship, recognising the value of supporting young professionals. This means HYP is completely free for members to join and to network with like-minded individuals, as well as socialise and - in some cases - even house share.

Charles Weeks, chairman of HYP, said: “For anyone new to the area, networking can feel like a daunting prospect. So our events held exclusively for young professionals feel more like a social occasion, allowing members to make professional and personal contacts.

“I arrived in Hull three years ago to start my surveying career and joining HYP was one of the best decisions I made. For myself and lots of our members, it is as much about having fun as it is building business relationships and developing career opportunities.

“As a newcomer to Hull, HYP has created a community for me and many of us have become great friends.

“I know from personal experience that Hull is a place where people relocate for work and often stay, forever. Recent figures from The University of Hull showed that 62 percent of graduates find employment and remain in the area. This can only be a good thing for the city and the local economy.”