New impact report highlights business and tourism achievements across East Yorkshire

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's recently published 2025-26 Impact Report highlights significant achievements in supporting local businesses.

The report demonstrates how Invest East Yorkshire and Visit East Yorkshire have collectively assisted over 1,100 businesses.

Efforts to boost the local economy included securing £52 million in contracts.

Invest East Yorkshire’s business centres have reached a 94% occupancy rate, providing ongoing support to 214 enterprises.

A total of 91 local businesses received grants for projects valued at £1.59 million, resulting in the creation of 65 new jobs, with almost half offered to individuals aged 16 to 29.

47 new businesses were established, which is more than double the original target.

The report showcases standout business success stories, such as a Bridlington coffee business that expanded from a one-person mobile unit into an employer.

A bakery in Brough utilised grant-funded expansion to win a Great Taste gold award and a Goole flooring company unlocked £2.6 million in contracts through a grant.

Additionally, strategic planning at Freeport Goole facilitated inward investments, including planning approvals for Metsä Tissue and 500,000 square feet of new industrial space.

Further developments include LanzaTech’s announcement of a £600 million sustainable aviation fuel facility at Saltend Chemicals Park and ongoing construction of the £45 million Howden Relief Road.

The council's team actively promoted the area's investment prospects at international and national platforms such as MIPIM in Cannes and the UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds.

Collaborations took place with Hull City Council and Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to boost regional investment opportunities.

East Riding’s network of nine business centres, spanning 223 offices and workshops from Bridlington to Goole, achieved a 94% occupancy rate with 46 new businesses moving in.

Visit East Yorkshire successfully delivered or supported over 40 events, including the Beverley Festival of Christmas, which attracted 56,000 visitors, and Race the Waves on Bridlington beach, contributing £1.4 million to the local economy.

The collective programme generated £8.5 million for the visitor economy, providing a return of £58 for every £1 invested.

Ninety-one businesses have joined as tourism partners in the initiative.

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader, expressed pride in their role: “We’re proud to play our role in encouraging investment and tourism, supporting local businesses and encouraging investment into the East Riding. It’s great to see the business support team exceed their targets and help support thriving communities in our region.”