New initiative invests in Humber’s future leaders

A new initiative investing in the region’s future leadership has been launched by Future Humber, strengthening the pipeline of talent needed to support long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

Created in consultation with leadership specialists to meet the challenges facing today’s workplaces, the programme brings emerging talent from across Humber to develop the skills, behaviours and mindset needed to lead through change. Designed to build leadership capability and strengthen connections across the region’s business community, the programme meets the growing need for leaders who can navigate uncertainty with confidence and authenticity.

Picture caption: The first cohort to take part in the new Humber Leaders Programme with leadership specialist Felicity King (back row, fourth from left) and Future Humber’s Elleanor Siddall (back row, fifth from right).

Elleanor Siddall, Digital Marketing Executive, Future Humber, said: “Supporting the region’s future success isn’t just about attracting investment, championing place, and strengthening business networks. It’s also about investing in people. The future of Humber will be shaped by the people who lead it. 

“Today's leaders must be adaptable, resilient, collaborative, and comfortable navigating uncertainty. At the same time, Humber is entering a period of significant opportunity. New industries, investment, innovation, and growth are creating exciting possibilities across the region. To realise that opportunity, we need people who are ready to step forward and lead through change. 

“The Humber Leaders Programme was born from a simple but important question: what kind of leaders does Humber need for the future we’re building? Designed to help develop those leaders, this programme will help build the leadership capacity needed to drive regional growth.”

Through interactive sessions with leading coaches, participants explore modern leadership and build the confidence to influence, collaborate, and create impact. The programme focuses on self-awareness, psychological safety, accountability, and practical leadership skills to help participants grow personally and professionally.

It’s the first programme in Future Humber’s Talent+ platform – an initiative that builds leadership capability, skills, and networks among Humber’s emerging and high-potential talent to support regional growth.

Leadership specialists Felicity King, Founder of Courage People, and John Harrison, Head of Consultancy and CPD at Synergy Consultancy, developed the programme in collaboration with Future Humber and deliver the interactive sessions.

Felicity said: “The world of work is changing rapidly and so too is the nature of leadership. Which means the skills that helped people succeed in the past are not always the skills that will help them succeed going forward.

“The leaders Humber needs for the future won't simply be experts in their field. They'll be people who can build trust, navigate uncertainty, bring others with them, and create environments where people can thrive. The Humber Leaders Programme has been designed to help develop those skills.”

Launched during Humber Business Week 2026, the first cohort of 15 participants have now been selected following a competitive application process and are currently taking part in the programme. The cohort includes participants from a range of sectors and business sizes, including Arco, Bluestorm, Reckitt, Hull Truck Theatre, Hull College, Sowden & Sowden, City Health Care Partnership CIC, Hull KR Foundation, Hull & East Yorkshire Mind, Phillips 66, Quickline Communications, and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Humberside.

Future Humber will expand the initiative in 2027, with the current cohort helping to shape its future development and long-term impact across the region.

Elle added: “This first cohort is just the beginning. We want to learn from their experiences, shape the programme together, and build something even bigger for future leaders across the region in the years ahead.” 

Humber Leaders Programme is free to members of Future Humber’s Bondholder network. For information on becoming a Bondholder, contact leahann.barnes@futurehumber.com