Research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has revealed that East Riding of Yorkshire has the highest economic growth rate of any individual council area in Yorkshire at 3.5 per cent. This surge has been driven by over £1 billion of investment since 2020, supported by the work of East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Invest East Yorkshire Inward Investment team, which has played a crucial role in attracting and securing major business developments.
Council Leader Cllr Anne Handley has praised the results, calling it a testament to the region’s ability to create jobs, attract world-class investment, and provide the right environment for businesses to thrive.
“It’s fantastic to see the East Riding Inward Investment team’s hard work in spurring economic growth and job creation come to fruition. By providing strategic support, unlocking key development sites, and fostering long-term business relationships, the team ensures that East Yorkshire remains a prime destination for inward investment.”
Cllr Handley also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining East Riding’s reputation as a business-friendly hub. “I’m proud that the East Riding maintains a welcoming business environment, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council will continue to facilitate businesses looking to enter the region,” she said.
One of the most significant milestones in this economic expansion has been the arrival of Siemens Mobility, which chose Goole as the home of its state-of-the-art £200 million train manufacturing facility. Operations began in April 2024, and the site is expected to create 700 direct jobs, with an additional 1,700 roles supported in the wider supply chain.
Siemens Mobility’s investment in the region does not stop there. A further £40 million expansion will see the creation of a Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, adding another 300 jobs by 2026.
The decision to locate in Goole was no coincidence. The Inward Investment team played a critical role in securing Siemens Mobility’s commitment, highlighting the region’s direct rail connectivity, skilled workforce, and strong local support. The team also worked closely with Homes England to prepare the site, including the development of the £13 million Tom Pudding Way link road, funded in part by an £8.3 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund.
In addition, the £9 million RaisE (Rail Accelerator & Innovation Solutions hub for Enterprise) Business Centre has been instrumental in supporting Siemens Mobility, providing essential office space and fostering supply chain growth.
Stephen Silvester, Inward Investment and Infrastructure Manager, said: “We worked closely with Siemens Mobility to provide a bespoke package of support, covering planning guidance, workforce development, supply chain integration, and the opportunity for future expansion. Our efforts paid off when Siemens Mobility selected Goole as the home for its new manufacturing facility.”
Beyond transport, the council’s economic strategy has also attracted Metsä Tissue, a division of Metsä Group, which is set to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in a cutting-edge tissue paper mill in Goole. This project marks the first major development within the Humber Freeport – Goole Tax Site and aligns with East Riding’s focus on sustainable, high-tech advanced manufacturing.
The Inward Investment team has provided crucial support at every stage of Metsä Tissue’s development, from site selection and workforce planning to supply chain connections and public consultation. Once operational, the mill will generate over 400 direct jobs and thousands more within the supply chain, significantly reducing the UK’s reliance on imported tissue products.
Esa Kaikkonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue, highlighted the strategic importance of East Riding for the company’s expansion: “The Humber region is a crucial gateway to the UK, and its ambitions align with our goals in sustainable manufacturing. Our investment will enhance Metsä Tissue’s presence in the UK and contribute to a more sustainable, locally produced tissue market.”
With a strong pipeline of investment, a skilled workforce, and a track record of attracting global businesses, East Riding is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in Yorkshire’s economic landscape.
Cllr Handley summed up the council’s ongoing ambition: “East Riding of Yorkshire Council will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our area remains one of the most attractive places in the UK for businesses to invest, expand, and succeed.”
As global firms set their sights on East Riding, the region’s economic momentum shows no signs of slowing down.