Clipper race brings business home

A trade mission of companies from Hull & Humber has flown to South Africa to explore business opportunities against the backdrop of our region’s entry in the Clipper Round-the-World Yacht Race.

Who’s organising the trade mission?

The trip to South Africa is being co-ordinated on behalf of Yorkshire Forward by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, and facilitated by UK Trade and Investment at the British High Commission in Cape Town.

Who’s going on the trade mission?

12 local organisations are participating, representing ports, freight and logistics; manufacturers of specialist engineering components; building products; technology; and the knowledge sectors. These include Hull-based logistics company Alpha Associates UK, which is returning to South Africa after a very successful experience during the Clipper 07-08 race, and a first-time visit for Brough-based manufacturer Tractair, a leading global supplier of specialist heavy duty air brakes designed primarily for agricultural tractors.

Why is our region competing in a yacht race at all?

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race attracts huge international attention and, since each boat is named after the region it represents, it offers Hull & Humber a superb opportunity to raise its profile.

What’s this Clipper race about?

It’s the world's only round-the-world race for non-professionals, and the longest and most exhilarating race of its type. There are ten 68ft boats, each crewed by ‘ordinary’ people and each representing a major international city, state or country. Their 10-month voyage will cover 35,000 miles around 5 continents before returning to the Humber finish-line in July 2010.

What’s the benefit of the race to the region’s businesses?

The goal is to raise the region’s profile and thereby attract inward investment, export opportunities and tourism. The race has proven to be a powerful tool for introducing Hull & Humber businesses to potential partners and customers overseas. It positions the region alongside some of the world’s major trading capitals, showcasing our business and tourism assets on a global stage. Hull & Humber companies are expected to generate millions of pounds of new trade on the back of this and the 2007-08 race.

What is Yorkshire Forward’s involvement in the race?

Yorkshire Forward is sponsoring the ‘Hull & Humber’, one of the 10 yachts in the race. This is part of our 5-year partnership with Clipper Ventures plc, designed to take the region of Yorkshire & Humber out into the world and to boost international trade and tourism into the region.