HULL'S leading specialist engineering firm Spencer Group today pledged its support for the new City Plan.
Hull City Council unveiled the vision of how the economy might look in 2023 last week.
Its key aim is to create 7,500 new jobs – half of them being taken by people currently claiming Jobseekers' Allowance.
If all goes to plan, including the arrival of German wind turbine manufacturer Siemens, Hull will become known as Britain's Energy City.
Charlie Spencer, chief executive of specialist engineering and energy business Spencer Group, said it is crucial businesses back the local authority.
He said: "The plan is ambitious and exciting and we're delighted to endorse it.
"The city and wider region have fantastic potential for investment, economic grow- th and job creation from green energy and it's great to see this is at the heart of the city's long-term planning."
Mr Spencer is a member of the Green City group, which is working on plans to make Hull one of Europe's greenest cities.
He believes the new Energy City banner is a powerful message that the city's business community could rally behind.
Mr Spencer said the plan recognises the economic impact of renewable energy developments such as Energy Works, a £100m-plus energy recovery facility that Spencer Group plans to build on the east bank of the River Hull.
"I was impressed by the work that has been done to map out the various activities and initiatives that form part of the City Plan," said Mr Spencer.
"This means that, for perhaps the first time, we can ensure all this good work is joined up and co-ordinated.
"The plan looks ten years ahead and it is important we have a longer-term perspective while taking action now to address the city's challenges and fulfil its potential."
A revamped City Leadership Board will oversee the plan's delivery, with its members being drawn from all walks of life.
Mr Spencer said City Plan represents an opportunity not to be missed for the region.
He said: "Looking even further into the future, if we get this right, we can work together to create employment and opportunities for generations to come."
Darryl Stephenson, the council's interim chief executive, revealed the plan at a breakfast meeting of the Hull and East Yorkshire Bondholders.
He urged city leaders to work together to make it a reality.
Mr Stephenson said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract investment and jobs into the city.
"Our City Plan will ensure all our efforts move in one direction, towards one goal. We must act now or we will get left behind."
Civil and business leaders hope Hull can capitalise on renewable energy in the same way as Aberdeen jumped on the North Sea oil boom in the 1970s.
Besides Siemens, the board will be looking at smaller- scale projects such as developing more cycle networks and park-and-ride sites.
