ABP Humber have been long term Platinum partners of Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University (HEY CU) and their support has had a huge impact on our growth over the past 6 years. In this time we have been able to reach an increase of over 500 children every year thanks to the support of partners like ABP.
ABP is the UK's leading port operator with a network of 21 ports across Britain
ABP handles around one-quarter of the nation's seaborne trade, contributing £7.5 billion to the economy every year and supporting 119,000 jobs. ABP also operates one of the UK's busiest rail terminals at Hams Hall in the Midlands.
Both of our organisations are passionate about inspiring the next generation into rewarding careers and we have worked together on some transformational projects.
Since 2014 we have delivered our annual Humber Cruises every year (sadly on hold since the pandemic), taking 60 primary school children a day on a 4 hour cruise along the Humber on the Yorkshire Belle vessel. Whilst on the cruise, the children hear a live commentary which tells them all of the amazing facts about the Humber Estuary and the businesses around it. They also learn sea shanties and even have the chance to write their own! ABP very kindly host the Yorkshire Belle for the week and provide a pilot for the boat.
We have also been able to deliver our P&O and ABP experience to children on a regular basis. The children spend half of the day on board the Pride of Hull, touring the ferry and learning all about the jobs on board. They then board a coach and a member of ABP staff takes them on a fascinating tour of the ports and how important they are to our region.
Some of the children living in Foster Care are given the most magical Christmas experience on board the Humber Christmas Express, thanks to ABP. For most of these children it was the first time they have been on a train and the first time they had ever left Hull. The children are treated like VIPs whilst on board, with a delicious 3 course meal whilst they take in the scenery. They then spend the day in London, visiting attractions and taking the tube for the first time!
We were extremely grateful for the additional fundraising events that ABP staff have supported HEY CU with. In 2019 ABP chose to support us with their entry to the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby. Kind-hearted staff based at the Port of Hull raised over £1,400 for HEY CU and were awarded Best Corporate team and overall second place with a time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds. With the help of Drury Engineering, they built the kart from scratch and already have plans in place for the next event!
ABP continues to support HEY CU as a Platinum partner, and has also sponsored additional projects such as our Doorstep Elves Christmas appeal and the 2017 City of Culture container project. Here are a few words from ABP about our Partnership: