FROM a company whose products grace the West End stage, to renewables world leader Ørsted – the second annual Industrial Connections NEL event attracted scores of firms from key Grimsby sectors.
More than 100 people attended the event this week, at Grimsby Auditorium. Organised by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Invest NEL team, it followed a successful inaugural event in 2025.
The authority’s Economy and Funding Specialist, Matthew Sylvester, explained how exhibitors and delegates were all connected to the main economic sectors in North East Lincolnshire – Food Manufacturing, Engineering and Manufacturing, Energy, and Ports and Logistics.
“The focus of the day is to ensure that people from our key sector industries come together and have an opportunity to look at common goals and possible collaborations in areas, such as the supply chain.
“It was clear from the first event that was what delegates found most useful and so we have moved forward with that again this year, and we are delighted that this has been another successful day,” he added.
Exhibitors included Pyewipe-based Technical Absorbents. Employing 70 people, it produces a unique superabsorbent fibre that is used in a whole array of global produces – from nappies and bandages – to stage costumes worn by performers in the West End musical Six so their sweat is not noticeable!
Amongst the other exhibitors was Ørsted. The company operates the largest UK Operations Hub and the world’s largest offshore wind operation and maintenance (O&M) base from the Royal Dock in the Port of Grimsby – supporting more than 600 local jobs.
Emma Toulson, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Ørsted UK, said: “We’re really pleased to be here today. For us this is a really great opportunity to be able to meet and talk to local businesses and other local organisations.
“This is really important. It allows us to look at opportunities to work together and really promote North East Lincolnshire and the businesses in the area.”
The Port of Grimsby has been home to Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Limited for many years and it’s Chairman, who is soon to take-up the role of Chief Executive Officer, is Andrew Oliver.
At the event, he said: “Events like this are particularly important for me coming into this industry somewhat anew to make connections with the people here, but it’s very important to put Grimsby on the map and to broaden the appeal across the country, and for us all within the Grimsby area to support each other in business.”
Regional business PR expert, David Laister, chaired the day and introduced respected speakers and discussion sessions focusing on subjects including ‘finance for growth’ and ‘AI and the automation of industry’ – the latter being delivered by Janet Bellamy, the University of Lincoln’s Associate Professor in Food Robotics and Process Automation.
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