Council Says East Riding Economic Growth Rate is Highest in England

East Riding Council's Leader has welcomed a report showing a 3.5% growth rate in the county.

The council says that research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, has revealed that the East Riding of Yorkshire has the highest rate of economic growth – 3.5 per cent - of any individual council area in Yorkshire.

The leader of East Riding Council has welcomed the report, Councillor Anne Handley says it's the best growth rate in England.

The council says that the growth has been driven by over £1 billion worth of investment since 2020, facilitated by the Invest East Yorkshire’s Inward Investment team, part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The Inward Investment team works closely with businesses and investors, showcasing the region’s assets, identifying suitable sites, assisting with site infrastructure development, liaising with key council departments, and sourcing grants and financial assistance.

One significant project achieved by the Inward Investment team is Siemens Mobility’s new £200 million train manufacturing facility in Goole, which commenced operations in April 2024. The new manufacturing site will create 700 new jobs, as well as a further 1,700 in the wider supply chain. An additional £40 million investment in a cutting-edge Bogie Assembly and Service centre will provide an additional 300 jobs by 2026.

The Inward Investment team ensured that Goole was chosen as the site by Siemens Mobility, by highlighting the region’s direct rail connectivity, skilled workforce, and strong local support.

The team collaborated with Homes England to facilitate the site’s readiness, which included the construction of the £13 million Tom Pudding Way link road, funded in part by an £8.3 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

The development of the £9 million RaisE (Rail Accelerator & Innovation Solutions hub for Enterprise) Business Centre has also supported supply chain growth and provided Siemens Mobility with essential office space,

Stephen Silvester, Inward Investment and Infrastructure Manager, commented: 

“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.”

The team has also played a critical role in attracting Metsä Tissue to Goole. The company plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in a cutting-edge tissue paper mill, marking the first major development on the Humber Freeport - Goole Tax Site. This investment aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainable and high-tech advanced manufacturing.

The team has worked closely with Metsä Tissue at every stage, providing support in site selection, workforce planning, supply chain connections, and public consultation. Once operational, the new facility will create over 400 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain, while also reducing the UK’s reliance on imported tissue products.

Esa Kaikkonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue, highlighted the strategic importance of Goole:

“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.”

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader and portfolio holder for Economic Growth said, 

“It’s fantastic to see the East Riding Inward Investment team’s hard work in 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.

“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.”