Inspired at Humber Business Week
Humber Business Week never fails to inspire, motivate and educate the local business community.
Here are some of our highlights of an action-packed week, as we marked 20 years of the annual celebration of business in the region.
Humber Place Brand
The week kicked off with the launch of the new Humber Place Brand by Bondholders.
Places are brands, and our brand is the mental image people hold about our place. Place branding means taking control over that image, enhancing and shaping it.
Successful place branding will help move the Humber’s current place perception in the direction we want, helping positively influence its profile and reputation and activating its identity.
Four core values were unveiled: revolutionary, resourceful, real and remarkable.
Find out more about the Humber Place Brand.
Elevenses with Ragini Annan
Paul Sewell introduced another guest to the Elevenses stage, as Ragini Annan was grilled about her experiences globetrotting during the epicentre of the tech revolution.
As with previous Elevenses guests, she opened up about the ups and downs of her life, sharing recollections about her time on the road with Steve Jobs, her thoughts on the male-dominated tech industry, and her honest opinion on billionaire Bill Gates and his business practices.
Watch a recording of the interview now.
It’s Question Time for businesses on the Humber
Sewell Group’s own Jo Barnes took to the panel for this debate on the big questions of the day, alongside Humber Freeport Chief Executive Simon Green, Future Humber MD Diana Taylor and J.R. Rix’s James Doyle.
Hosted by Fred Marketing’s Dave Laister, the panel were quizzed about the reimagining of the energy estuary, the potential of the Humber Freeport, the development of the new Yorkshire Energy Park, how employees can attract and retain talent in the Humber, and the potential changes we may see with politics, including devolution and the general election.
All the panellists were optimistic about the future, and see the region as on the up.
“The thing we must get right is collaboration.” Jo Barnes
“The Humber’s time is now.” Simon Green
“We have a window of opportunity.” Diana Taylor.
“You need to get the right leader in, then give them the right assets and resources to run the organisation.” James Doyle.
The Business Day
The Business Day returned for 2024, with keynote speaker Björn Ulvaeus, founding member of Abba, songwriter, producer and entertainment entrepreneur. He spoke about how one of the world’s most successful bands was formed, and how they diversified from music to stage shows, films and even virtual reality.
Our breakout session at the event – Is your building holding your business back? – was really popular, with our team discussing what the future holds, and how your buildings may need to change or develop to align to your business plans and prepare for what is coming.
The panel – chaired by Jo Barnes, and featuring Sewell Group’s Michael Boland, Nikola Idle and Steve Dam – explored what sustainability means for businesses and their estate, and how going for the newest shiny “eco bling” isn’t necessarily a great long term strategy for making your buildings net zero.
Steve, our Retrofit expert went on to say:
“There is no use in upgrading component parts of a building under the guise of sustainability when underlying elements are flawed or due to be replaced before the improvement returns on its investment.”
There was some really interesting discussion between the audience and the panel around home and hybrid working, and how different generations have varying priorities around what they want from work.
At the close of the event, our panel gave their one top tip for making sure your buildings are fit for the future. Michael said that data is key, and gathering good data is even more important. If you understand your estate by inputting good data, you can make good decisions. Nikola asked people to ensure they listen to their customers and staff, as they can tell you how your buildings can work better, and flag any pinch points. Steve said you need a plan for your buildings, and it’s essential to develop a long term view that can set you up for the next 20 years.
