A HULL-based company that has grown to be one of the city’s business success stories is backing an awards event recognising the area’s newest industrial sector.
The Insurance Partnership is sponsoring a category in the Humber Renewables Awards 2012.
It is the first time such accolades have been staged locally and the event will celebrate those involved in helping to make renewable energy a cornerstone of the region’s economy.
There are eight award categories, with The Insurance Partnership supporting the Best Renewable Energy Product in the Humber Area.
Richard Tuplin, director of The Insurance Partnership, said the awards were an ideal way of highlighting the work going on in the area to develop the emerging renewable energy industry.
He said: “The awards will showcase perfectly what features, skills and expertise we have in the Hull and Humber area within the field of renewables.
“This is ever more important, as other regions and countries look to maximise the major opportunity presented by green energy.
“And, as a business which is extremely proud to come from Hull, we are delighted to support this new industry, and particularly the awards category of Best Renewable Energy Product.”
The awards come as the region looks to be a hub for renewable energy, potentially creating thousands of jobs.
This includes the Humber’s ports becoming a home for the production of offshore wind turbines, with engineering giant Siemens recently submitting a planning application for a factory in Hull.
The Insurance Partnership was established 18 years ago and now employs 180 people, with a £50 million turnover and offices across the UK.
Mr Tuplin , whose company has expertise in insurance for shipping, maritime, ports and logistics, said the region has “all the right ingredients” to offer the renewables industry.
He said: “Our region’s location and maritime background means we have what it takes – but we have to make it happen.
“Collaboration between companies and being prepared to take risks will be crucial if we are to succeed as an area.
“Another important point to consider is having a vision that goes beyond only offshore wind power.
“This area of renewables is going to be significant to the Humber’s future, but the whole green energy sector is much larger than this strand alone.
“We have to translate this to the business community and be prepared to become a centre of excellence for all renewable energy, to ensure this new opportunity is a long-term and sustainable addition to our economy.”
The Humber Renewables Awards are being hosted by specialist public relations and marketing company Footprint Renewables, in association with Mail News & Media, publisher of the Hull Daily Mail.
Eight award categories are available to enter and a panel of independent judges, drawn from the renewables industry and local business community, will select the winners -who will be announced at a dinner at The Deep in Hull on March 2.
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Source: footprintrenewables, December 23, 2011; Image: energyworkshull