Humber Freeport announces Head of Investment appointment

Humber Freeport has announced a senior appointment, with a remit to attract inward investment and support economic growth across the region.

Richard Beason has joined Humber Freeport as Head of Investment, bringing significant private and public sector experience to the role.

Previously he had served as Economic Development Manager for Selby District Council, and subsequently North Yorkshire Council, for the past four years. In this role he led on inward investment activity for the council, engaging with investors, developers and potential new businesses to the area.

He will work with the Freeport’s Board, Government and key stakeholders to develop investor propositions in key sectors ranging from clean energy to advanced manufacturing.

Richard, who lives just outside Howden in East Yorkshire, said: “This is a really exciting time to be joining Humber Freeport. The opportunity for the Humber is now, and the Freeport has an important role to play as a catalyst for inward investment, economic growth and skilled job creation.

“Humber Freeport has tax and customs sites which offer investors a variety of incentives, in strategic locations with excellent transport links and connectivity.

“A key focus for me, as Head of Investment, is speaking to potential investors and relevant stakeholders to understand their specific needs and requirements.”

Richard has previously worked for Birmingham City University, as its Growth Hub Account Manager, and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, where he was Growth Hub Business Adviser.

Having previously also ran his own successful businesses, Richard has now shifted his focus to helping other companies invest, thrive and grow.

Richard said collaboration will be key to his new role, as he works with public and private sector partners to drive investment and support the Freeport’s three key workstreams – decarbonisation, innovation and skills.

Joining Richard at Humber Freeport is Michele Tavender, who will provide Executive Support on behalf of the Freeport and its management team.

Michele previously worked as a Management Assistant at Lindsey Oil Refinery in Immingham, and prior to that spent time at the North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

In her new role, Michele will coordinate communication and information on behalf of the Freeport.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, welcomed Richard and Michele to the Freeport team.

He said: “The expertise and experience both Richard and Michele bring with them will be invaluable to the Freeport, as we look to deliver on our key objectives and lay the foundations for a prosperous future for the Humber.

“The Government’s recently-published Industrial Strategy placed freeports firmly at the centre of the UK’s growth plans. With more than £1.2bn of investment pledged in Humber Freeport sites, our region stands ready to lead the UK to a low carbon, sustainable economy, in the process creating skilled job opportunities and broad supply chain growth.

“Our message to investors is a simple one – come and speak to us, tell us what you need, and discover everything the Humber region has to offer.”

To read more about Freeports in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, visit www.humberfreeport.org/governments-industrial-strategy-highlights-impact-of-uk-freeports-programme/.