Peter Mandelson to urge the city and region to 'seize the chance'

Hull and Humber's historical trading strengths will be a huge asset for the region in the 21st century, Peter Mandelson will tell business leaders at the launch of a new range of support services available from World Trade Centre Hull and Humber on Friday 7th September.

The European Commissioner for External Trade will urge the city and region to 'seize the chances of the new economy' - from the creative industries to biosciences and environmental technologies. In a speech at Humber Quays, Hull's new waterfront business and international trade district, he will stress the importance of Hull and Humber's established links with Europe.

Mr Mandelson said: "The opening of this WTC is an exciting development for Hull and Humber. Its inception reflects the city's inherent entrepreneurial spirit, building on a history of successful trade over the centuries. Today Hull is capitalising on the opportunity to grow its economic base through ports and logistics and the healthcare industry, as well as developing renewable energy and environmental technologies. "The WTC is very much focused on fostering trade, specifically with the EU - the most important export market for this region, accounting for 58% of total exports.

This new initiative will bring Hull and Humber into direct contact with a community of some 500 million people, a hugely influential economic market - influence that is essential when dealing with powers such as China, the United States, Russia or India."

The second of its kind in the UK and the only World Trade Centre covering north and central England, World Trade Centre Hull and Humber acts as the first point of contact for trade and investment enquiries and a 'one-stop shop' providing practical help and support for businesses to move into international markets.

It is now operational with a wide range of specialist services available for local, regional and international businesses, accessible through its partners. Services include a full export documentation service, research into potential new markets, language translation service provided by people with specific knowledge of the export market, trade-orientated networking and business events, access to international trade networks and membership clubs and access to academic knowledge and expertise.

Councillor Andy Sloan, Portfolio Holder for the Economy at Hull City Council, said, "Our key economic objective is growth in higher value-added, internationally competitive sectors. It's a fact that the most successful cities and regions of the UK in terms of GVA growth rates are those whose economies are most open to trade and most actively compete in international markets. "The WTC Hull and Humber is an important piece of our development jigsaw and affords local and regional businesses across Yorkshire the opportunity to more fully exploit the economic opportunity afforded by Hull's natural economic geography and historic links as a European trading city."

Theresa Lindsay, head of marketing and business Investment at Yorkshire Forward said: "The opening of the World Trade Centre in Hull marks an important step forward for our region's international trade activities. As the only World Trade Centre in England, this facility will help to raise our region's international profile and open up new opportunities for investment and exports.

Hull now joins a global network of locations that house World Trade Centres, and with it's strategically important ports complex and proximity to mainland Europe, I am confident that Hull will make an excellent addition to this prestigious group." World Trade Centre Hull and Humber will be a cornerstone in the new Humber Quays waterfront and international trade and business district where it will be based from early next year. Businesses can find out more about the services of the World Trade Centre Hull and Humber by visiting www.wtchull.com For more information contact: Catherine Ackroyd Mapa 01482 589900, 07739 139056 Catherine@mapa.org.uk.

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