INSIGHTS: A visit to North East Lincolnshire

After nine years of working for Midlands Connect, it is not often I get to go somewhere new. But last month I found myself on a train to Grimsby. Although I had visited the ABP site in Immingham, the town of Grimsby was a new area for me – and I was far more excited than I should have been. 

The first challenge was ignoring the muscle memory when the train pulled into Lincoln, so often I alight here, to stay on was a novelty. But stay on I did and an hour later I found myself in Grimsby, a bright and clean station with a large bike hub situated on Platform 1. Such integration warmed the cockles of my heart, warmed even further by an evening stroll on the prom in Cleethorpes followed by the obligatory fish and chip supper served with both bread and butter and a pot of tea, (to the bemusement of our Spanish CEO Maria).

Down to business the next morning, we were taken on a walk through the town centre on our way to the Council offices. The signs of regeneration were clear to see, new Waterfront districts, community spaces, plans for a new business start-up centre, a purpose-built office for a legal firm in the town, plans for a new cinema complex and much more. The fact the Council had taken on a failing shopping centre and was going to make it the centrepiece of the town showed a real passion for both the place and the people of North East Lincs.

Understanding the level of industry in this part of the world was huge, 70% of the seafood we eat in the UK has passed through this area at some point. They are world leaders in the technology of offshore wind and future energy sources.

What was also inspiring was the level of commitment to training local people to support the local facilities, we saw plans to train up to 1,000 apprentices per year. Local companies saw the ever-widening skills gap, which shows no signs of abating. As the Humber Freeport accelerates its plans, it has come together under an industry association to offer these opportunities. We were so convinced – they almost had us signed up as apprentice welders on the day.

Whilst a new training facility for pipe fitters and welders was opened by the two local MPs, not only did we see lots of trainees at work – what amazed us most was the fact that the whole facility had been fitted out in 53 days over the summer vacation.

Finally, our hosts took us to a training facility for transport professionals both on the road and on the water. The mocked-up bridge was very realistic, with impressive attention paid to the sea conditions. 
And with that, our trip was over, a fascinating glance into the potential for growth in the area and the limitations placed upon that growth in terms of both infrastructure and skills.