World Trade Centre's New York mission to build on Clipper trade successes

Hull and Humber trade missions linked to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have brought at least £4m worth of new business into the region, a figure that could be boosted following the latest visit to New York.

 According to financial information gathered by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, trade missions to the Clipper port destinations of Durban, Qingdao, in China and Singapore, have succeeded in providing the new business for the Humber Ports.

Andy Mowbray, manager of World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, was in New York as part of the mission organised to coincide with the Hull and Humber Clipper’s stopover.

Mr Mowbray said: “The journey of the Hull and Humber yacht gives us the opportunity to broaden business links around the world, raise the profile of the region and promote World Trade Centre Hull & Humber to international companies.

“The trade mission to New York was positive and we expect it to build on the direct economic benefits that have resulted from missions to other Clipper ports.

“Yorkshire Forward and World Trade Centre Hull & Humber will be working in partnership to maximise the business and commercial opportunities associated with next year’s Clipper race which will depart from Hull.”

Mr Mowbray was in New York in June along with representatives from Yorkshire Forward, and other Hull and Humber businesses and organisations, including Associated British Ports and the University of Hull, two of the major global race partners from the region. They networked with senior US executives from the investment bank Goldman Sachs, advertising agency Ogilvy, chocolate bar manufacturer Hershey’s, and the Business Council of New York.

Delegation leaders met Guy Tozzoli, the first and only president of the World Trade Centers Association, who pioneered the organisation setting up the network that now has more than 300 centres in 85 countries. Mr Tozzoli was the visionary behind the creation of its greatest symbol, the World Trade Center twin towers.

Sarah Pearson, head of Humber at Yorkshire Forward, said that the organisation’s involvement in the Clipper race has presented many opportunities to show the world what the Yorkshire and Humber region has to offer.

“The purpose of the mission was to put our region on a global stage with the ultimate aim of stimulating the growth of the economy,” she said.

Local and regional business people who would like to view World Trade Centre Hull & Humber are being asked to contact the World Trade Centre team on, 01482 485200, racheal.damen@wtchumber.com