More than 90% of businesses are now committing to consider local and regional suppliers wherever possible when sourcing goods and services. This momentum has been further accelerated since the launch of The Supply Chain Promise in early 2025, an initiative introduced by The Supply Chain Network to strengthen connections between local suppliers and buyers across Yorkshire, Humber and Greater Lincolnshire.

A Growing Commitment to Local Supply Chains Since its inception, The Supply Chain Promise has seen incredible growth. Over 90% of businesses added to the Supplier Directory since February 2025 have chosen to make The Promise and proudly display the Promise logo on their listing. Many existing network members have since updated their profiles to join them.

Displaying the Promise badge demonstrates a business’s commitment to the local economy, net-zero ambitions and social value benefits through choosing local suppliers wherever possible.

A Free Platform Empowering Local Businesses The Supply Chain Network provides a free online platform designed to help businesses find opportunities, strengthen local procurement and grow their network. It includes: – The Supplier Directory – where businesses can promote their products and services and find new suppliers. – The Opportunities Map – helping organisations identify new contract opportunities. – The Supply Chain Promise – a public commitment to prioritising local and regional suppliers where possible.

Many organisations are incorporating The Promise into their internal processes, using it to reinforce Supplier Charters, Procurement Policies and Environmental Policies. By encouraging their suppliers to join The Supply Chain Network and sign up to The Promise, they are strengthening local relationships and demonstrating shared values.

Case Study: Hobson and Porter Hobson and Porter Construction Services is one business that has fully embraced The Supply Chain Promise. Joe Booth, Pre-Construction & Business Development Director, explained why the initiative aligned so well with their values:

“It ethically and morally sits well with our company. It’s a back-to-back mechanism for us. Because of the clients we have in the public sector, we have to source local and demonstrate sourcing locally. The Supply Chain Promise is going to be critically important moving forward, particularly around the new procurement act and also our social value mechanisms to show that we have done everything we can in a quest to source locally at the first opportunity.”

The Promise enables businesses like Hobson and Porter to demonstrate social value and environmental impact in tendering processes, highlighting their commitment to reducing emissions and supporting an environmentally responsible supply chain.

How The Promise Helps Businesses By signing The Supply Chain Promise, businesses can: – Identify themselves as part of a larger network committed to local supply chains. – Strengthen their reputation with customers, employees and suppliers as an ethical organisation. – Reduce costs by working with local suppliers and producers. – Access a wider network of regional suppliers who share a commitment to buying locally. – Demonstrate environmental and social value outcomes in tendering.

Displaying the Promise badge reinforces credibility and shows a clear commitment to supporting the regional economy and local communities.

A Call to Action for Local Businesses

“We’d recommend anyone locally, who is involved in the business community to get involved and sign up to The Supply Chain Promise. It’s more about cultural values for us and the willingness to enhance the local economy collectively.” Joe Booth – Hobson and Porter

Businesses interested in joining this growing community of organisations committed to strengthening local supply chains can create a new listing on The Supply Chain Network and sign The Promise.

Learn more: www.thesupplychainnetwork.co.uk

On Wednesday 18^th March, CATCH hosted the latest meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network, held at The Water’s Edge, Barton-Upon-Humber. The meeting was expertly chaired by Dan Rawdin, Risk and Process Safety Manager, SSE, who welcomed over 25 delegates both in-person and online.

Following introductions, the group first heard from Aimee Russell, Senior Analyst, RAS Ltd, who gave an insightful presentation on NaTech and Climate Change Risk Assessments, and why they’re so vital.

Aimee explained how detailed plans surrounding accidents and incidents caused by natural disasters is a requirement outlined in COMAH Regulations Schedule 3, as well as what a natural disaster in the UK may look like.

Aimee then continued by explaining the definition of a NaTech Event – a Natural Hazard-triggered Technological Accident and shared some examples with the group of such events that have already occurred in the UK, before explaining the importance on an Adaptive Management Cycle, and suitable considerations for emergency response if a NaTech Event were to occur.

Aimee concluded by taking questions from the group, before a brief coffee break.

The group then heard from Peter Davidson, Chief Executive Officer,  Tank Storage Association, who gave a presentation surrounding the Buncefield Disaster, 20 Years On.

Peter started by giving and insight to who the Tank Storage Association are and what they do, before giving an oversight of the Buncefield Disaster. Following conversations around the incident, Peter went on to discuss the progress that has been made in order to prevent an incident occurring in the future.

Peter concluded by giving an insight into what more can be done in the future, and how there are still some issues that are being reviewed and practices to be adopted. Peter finished by taking questions from the group.

Thank you to both Aimee and Peter for their insightful presentations, and to Chair Dan Rawdin. Thank you also to Water’s Edge for hosting the network and welcoming our in-person delegates.

The next meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network will be held on Wednesday 15^th July 2026 and will be a joint Major Hazards and Human Factors Conference at CATCH.

For more information about CATCH Membership and our other membership networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

On Wednesday 25^th March, CATCH held the latest meeting of the CATCH Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Network, which was kindly sponsored by Northern Endurance Partnership.

Chair Joe Howe welcomed over 60 delegates both online and in- person to the network, hosted at Aura Innovation Centre. This network was a special edition, sponsored by the Northern Endurance Partnership who provided a valuable insight with a variety of speakers.

First to present was Rich Denny, Managing Director of Northern Endurance Partnership, who opened by introducing the vision for NEP and why 2026 is an important year for the project. The UK was the first major economy to commit legally binding, economy wide Net Zero target by 2050 and Rich explained how the government have already committed to 2 CCS Clusters (North West and North East), and plan to commit to one more this parliament. CCS is key to stop Deindustrialisation and support energy security, and Northern Endurance Partnership is working at pace to FID in 2028 and be on stream in the Humber from 2032.  Rich highlighted that they are not in competition with Viking CCS – there are room for both initiatives in the region.

Following Rich was Sven van den Bedem, Humber Expansion Manager, who spoke about the Humber opportunity and how Humber is crucial to the UK for meeting NetZero targets. By setting up CCS and the endurance storage, this provides new opportunities for low carbon businesses in the region. The Humber Carbon Capture Pipeline (HCCP) is at pre-feed, with the offshore pipeline FEED having been completed, and the Endurance store is being appraised for expansion. The Humber has access to 66% of the UKs licensed stores – which are the size of Wales, with room to grow.

After Sven was Neal Gray-Wannell, CCS Network Developer for Northern Endurance Partnership, discussed the designs of the project and apologised on behalf of DESNZ who sent slides. Neal covered initial takeaways of the CCUS Humber Survey, to which 35 capture projects responded, who have a 35Mtpa* average and a 49Mtpa peak requirement for CO2 storage. With 21Mtpa storage required within the region from 17 projects. Neal then discussed some of the key lessons from the Teesside selection process.

Sven closed the first session by echoing that they are working at pace, then advised that the development cost is fully funded by the government’s approved project development plan, with over £200m already allocated for onshore and offshore scopes in 2026 and 2027.

Following a coffee and networking break, Iain Harris, Interim Managing Director with Humber Energy Board, opened by discussing that the HEB was set up to help deliver a cohesive voice for the fragmented region – both politically and regionally. Ian introduced the members of the HEB, and that NEP and a further 7 secondary members have recently joined. Ian explained that they are spending time engaging with regional campaigns, skills community, and re-enforced the message of the Humber opportunity as echoed by Rich, Sven and Neal.

Following Iain, Ian Livingstone, Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia UK, Equinor, introduced their blue hydrogen project at Saltend. H2H Saltend has completed pre-FEED and has full T&C planning permission. The project is ready to go and Equinor have a customer base ready to receive the CO₂, however they are missing the critical step of CO₂ transport and storage connection, either to NEP or another connection. Ian commented that other valid projects in the area are in a similar position.

Ian Elder, Onshore Humber Project Manager, NEP, followed Ian, who discussed where the project is today. Funding from the government is around £100M to be able to develop the Humber onshore scope to mid-2027, including how they cross the Humber Estuary and work with landowners. Horizontal drill testing is already under way, drilling from both sides of the river and meeting in the middle, and Ian is hopeful site activities will commence in late 2026. Next, Ian discussed that the development consent order (DCO) the statutory consultation was completed in Nov/Dec25 with 493 attendees, working through the feedback and comments. Environmental, archaeological and geotechnical surveys (53 of 70 boreholes completed) are progressing well and archaeological trenching works (circa 2000) are commencing next month. Ian explained that the aim is to enter into FEED for engineering in 2027 and kicking off FID contracting process in 2028. Ian said this is the start of a busy period for supply chain engagement, and that the framework is being worked on within the next 12-18 months.

The final speaker from Northern Endurance Partnership was Sharon Davies, Head of Communications and External Affairs, NEP, who began by sharing social value success stories from Teesside, such as more than 50% of £4 billion in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts signed. Together with NetZero Teesside they are investing in skills, with 140 young people engaged. They have £2.5M set aside to support social value and are looking to replicate their success and projects into the Humber Region.

Following the presentation, Chair Joe Howe hosted a panel discussion with the event speakers, covering topics such as government, public and industry support. Topics and question also touched on well visibility and advocacy across the region, alongside more technical questions such as carbon footprint, current affairs, energy from waste, electrification etc.

Following the conclusion of the panel, Rich and Joe closed the meeting, thanking delegates for attending and igniting the spark for further discussion surrounding Northern Endurance Partnership and CCS in the Humber Region.

The next meeting of the CATCH Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Network will be held on Wednesday 3^rd June 2026 in our newly expanded CATCH Conference Centre.

For more information about CATCH Membership and our other membership networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

On Wednesday 11th March, CATCH held the latest meeting of their CATCH Cyber Security (OT) Network, kindly hosted at British Steel, Scunthorpe. The meeting is one of a suite of Industrial Membership Networks facilitated by CATCH, held exclusively for members in order to share ideas and hear from guest speakers.

The network was expertly chaired by Adam Chapman, Director of Cyber Security, Tronox, who welcomed over 30 delegates to British Steel for the session. Delegates heard from a selection of guest speakers, including Sam Longstaff, TekGem, Neil Bristow, Bristow Associates (UK) Limited and Rafael Baretto, ISA Europe.

Presentation topics included IEC62443 and recent changes, UK NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework, and also an improvement journey case study from a member company.

Thank you to all who attended to hear from the guest speakers; the next meeting of the CATCH Cyber Security (OT) Network will be held on Wednesday 8th July 2026 at CATCH.

For more information about CATCH Membership and our Membership Networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

On Wednesday 4^th March 2026, CATCH held the latest meeting of the CATCH Environmental Managers Network, which was kindly hosted by Humber Nature Partnership at The Water’s Edge, Barton-Upon-Humber.

Chair Martin Jones, HSEQI Manager at Prax LOR, welcomed over 35 delegates both online and in-person to hear from a collection of speakers. Following introductions, Martin welcomed Catherine Hayes, Environment Agency, who was providing an insight and update surrounding Non-Potable Water in the Humber Cluster.

Catherine began by providing an insight into the study and the necessity for its completion, following the National Framework for Water Resources, which demonstrated the urgent requirement for long-term water needs, particularly within industry. Catherine continued by explaining how the road to NetZero will lead to an increase in water demand, with water being a feedstock for hydrogen production, in particular green hydrogen.

The overall aim of the Environment Agency insight is to determine how non-potable water supplies can be used to provide a sustainable source of water for energy production and CCS, with the Humber Industrial Cluster being selected due to the number of schemes and projects announced for the South Bank, and how the Humber is a region of “High Water Stress”.

Catherine summarised by explaining how hydrogen needs water and that the UK doesn’t have enough fresh water: there needs to be a welcome acceptance to the use of non-potable water and the associated systems required.

Following questions from the group, Martin introduced the next speakers, Matthew Collinson, North Lincolnshire Council, and Martin Collison, Collison & Associates Ltd, who were presenting on the FLOW Project – Farmed Landscape Optimised Water.

Based at the Lapwing Estate, North Lincolnshire, FLOW is a solution to solve the water shortage on the South Bank, by optimising water and rainfall in a farmed environment.

Martin explained how during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, a significant amount of time and resources is spent removing water from farmland back to rivers in order to keep the land dry. FLOW however is working to develop a pre-emptive system using AI and Satellite Monitoring to shift the paradigm, reduce flooding and capture the water for storage and use when required.

Martin estimates that the FLOW project will initially be able to harness 12 million m³ of usable water, with the capacity to expand to a potential 40 million m³  should there be sufficient demand from industry. Martin finalised by explaining the numerous economic, social and environmental benefits of the FLOW Project, and are looking to have the first usable water available by 2031.

Following questions and a coffee break, the group heard from the final speaker of the network Dr Jonathan Bolland, University of Hull.

Jonathan provided an insightful presentation on his work using acoustic telemetry to conduct marine surveys of fish, particularly European Eels, a critically endangered species which spend a specific proportion of their lifespan in the North Sea.

Jonathan explained how the East Coast of England and the Humber Estuary have been identified as a strategic location for the European Tracking Network of Marine Creatures, and how he is looking for long-term strategic locations for the placement of acoustic monitoring and telemetry equipment.

Jonathan is looking to engage and work alongside companies and industries which operate and own infrastructure within the Humber Estuary, and is available for contact at j.bolland@hull.ac.uk for more information and open discussions.

Jonathan finished the meeting by taking questions from the group, before Chair Martin Jones closed the meeting and invited attendees to stay for a networking lunch.

The next meeting of the CATCH Environmental Managers Network will be held on Wednesday 10^th June 2026 at CATCH.

For more information about CATCH Membership and our Membership Networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

On Wednesday 25^th February, CATCH held the latest meeting of the CATCH Human Factors Network at The Ashbourne Hotel, Killingholme.

Expertly chaired by Chris Marron, Competence Framework Lead, Dr Reddy’s, the meeting saw over 20 delegates join both in-person and online to hear from guest speaker Johnny Mitchell, Occupational Psychologist, Caspian Psychology Ltd.

Following introductions within the room, Johnny began by explaining his background, and how it had now landed him to be working with a number of companies, namely Mosaic, Tkit and Kestrel on the application of behavioural science to safety and quality.

Johnny began by providing delegates with a breakdown of behavioural science, and how it’s use and application is more strategic than nudges which are more tactical. Johnny went on to explain how by mapping out procedures within companies allows for a better determination of which stage of the procedure is more susceptible to behaviour modification through evidence-based interventions, nudges and system interventions.

Johnny then went on to provide a breakdown of Decision Information, Decision Structure and Decision Assistance, and how using them as consideration for nudges can lead to increased effectiveness. Johnny then progressed on to an explanation surrounding the ethics of nudges, social norms, the power of defaults and how reducing friction and restructuring of the environment can lead to increased safety and noticeably improved desired behaviours.

Following a short coffee break, Johnny then encourage delegates to partake in an interactive quiz, designed to both test knowledge surrounding the topics previously covered, and encourage delegates to share their experiences and network in a relaxed environment. Following the interactive exercise, the delegates were able to utilise the Kestrel Behavioural Science for Safety and Quality Test System, working collaboratively to determine behaviours, restrictions and solutions that are witnessed within their own workplaces.

The session provided an insight not only to the shared behaviours that occur across a multitude of industries but enabled essential brainstorming between colleagues all working within Human Factors and Safety within their respective companies.

Johnny closed the session with a summary of behavioural science within quality and safety, as well as a round-up of the ways in which nudges and the systems he has developed can be used.

The next meeting of the CATCH Human Factors Network will be held on the Wednesday 15^th July, and will be a joint event with the CATCH Major Hazards Network. The network will be held at CATCH and exhibition space is available for purchase.

For more information about the CATCH Human Factors Network, as well as our other membership networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

In November, in the snow and cold, we were thrilled to host our CATCH Humber Engineering Managers Forum at INEOS on Saltend Chemical Park.

Over 50 attendees, both in-person and online were welcomed by Rob Smith, Group Chair and Asset Support Manager at INEOS Acetyls, all of whom were looking forward to hearing from guest speaker Farayi Manyika, Mechanical Team Lead, Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Farayi delivered an insightful presentation surrounding topics such as:

• Informed Clients and Competent Persons
• Use of Competent Contractors to Manage Mechanical Integrity – EEMUA231
• Definition, Identification, Registration and Integrity Management of Safety Critical Equipment
• Mechanical Ignition Risk Assessments to BS EN ISO 80079-36 and pro-active measures to meet DSEAR Requirements
• Managements of dead-legs

It was a pleasure to welcome Health and Safety Executive to the forum, having worked for over 2 years to get a session surrounding regulations and procedure from the HSE in the Humber Region.

The next meeting of the CATCH Humber Engineering Managers Forum will be held on Thursday 23rd April 2026, and is open to Engineering Managers and Experts from both our Core and Supply Chain Members.

For more information about the CATCH Humber Engineering Managers Forum, please contact lesley.pickard@catchuk.org.

px kindly hosted the latest meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network Group on Wednesday 12^th November 2025 at their site at Saltend Chemical Park, welcoming over 30 delegates both in-person and via Microsoft Teams. The group is chaired by Dan Rawdin from SSE, who welcomed delegates to the event and introduced our speakers.

Guest Speaker Carolyn Nicholls, Managing Director of R A S Limited, a Process and Technical Safety Consultancy, opened the event, giving a presentation on the CDOIF (Chemical and Downstream Oil Industries Forum) New Guidance on Major Hazard Human Harm Risk Assessment that has been prepared and is now available for review and feedback. The guidance has been carefully drafted to support the UK’s 700+ COMAH industries in being able to apply key principles consistently and ensure they are aligned to the regulations. The guidance balances information needed by new entrants into the COMAH community as well as experienced operators, offering options to guide users. Carolyn finished by taking questions from the group and addressing any concerns or queries raised by delegates. You can view the draft guidance below, and the deadline for feedback is 27^th February 2026.

After a coffee break, Peter Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Tank Storage Association, gave an update on the COMAH Strategic Forum (CSF), including their current priorities and emerging regulatory focus. The CSF’s strategy is delivered through six objectives, including: understanding the current and the longer-term challenges affecting COMAH, agreed principles, reasonably practicable and sustainable solutions, and the development of the CA’s policies and robust regulatory framework.

The COMAH Strategic Forum’s work is delivered through its Working Groups, including Process Safety Leadership, Engagement/ and Outreach, Capability and Competence, Natech (Natural Hazards Triggering Technological Accidents) and Adaptation. More information about the Process Safety Forum, please contact peter.davidson@tankstorage.org.uk

Peter finished by taking questions from the group, and the meeting of the network was formally closed by Chair Dan Rawdin.

The next meeting of the CATCH Major Hazards Network will be held on 18th March 2026. For more information about this or our other CATCH Networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.