Background

The ONE HULL Business Forum was established in 2003 and is funded by ONE HULL, the city’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

The Business Forum is the main vehicle for the business sector to become an active partner in the LSP and has been recognised nationally as an example of best practice for LSP private sector engagement. It brings together over 1000 businesses from all sectors and works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors to ensure Hull’s private sector is playing a full and positive role in the LSP.

The primary purpose of the Forum is to elect and support business representatives to sit on key ONE HULL partnerships. This strategic level engagement enables businesses large and small to have a direct say on the priorities for Hull’s development in areas such as economic development, education, the environment and health.

In addition to this, the Forum organises events throughout the year which are opportunities for local business people to find out what is happening in the city and to make their views known. The Forum also supports other activities such as the Youth Enterprise Partnership and it provides business input to numerous consultations and surveys on issues ranging from city centre development, skills and transport to business premises and crime.

Through its website, briefings, factsheets, newsletters and meetings the Forum helps Hull businesses be better informed, get more involved and access more opportunities than would otherwise be possible leading to an engaged and informed private sector. Taken together, these activities have given ONE HULL some of the highest levels of strategic business engagement of any LSP in the country - meaning that that local decision makers understand the needs of business and businesses can engage effectively with the work of local government.

Any local business, large or small, can play an active role in the Forum. It is managed by a 15 strong private sector Steering Group and through its Business Advisory Group the Forum works on the issues of direct concern to local businesses. Membership of the Forum provides a great opportunity for local business people to have a real voice on the future of the city.

Membership is completely free.  

What are Local Strategic Partnerships?

Local strategic partnerships were created by the Government to bring together representatives from all sectors within an area such as community and faith groups, the council, police and fire & rescue services, charities, businesses, schools, health bodies etc. By pooling experience and expertise, LSPs can understand local people, places and problems and make sure the right actions are taken and right services delivered.

In Hull, the LSP is called ONE HULL and it is responsible for delivering the Community Strategy and the Local Area Agreement.