Danish Trade Links Strengthened by Local Businesses

Businesses across the Humber have reinforced vital trade links with Denmark during a visit to the region by the Danish Ambassador to the UK.

Ambassador Claus Grube praised the “dynamic business development” he witnessed during the visit and spoke positively about the prospects of building on the already strong links between the Humber and Denmark.

The visit comes against a backdrop of huge investment in the offshore wind industry which is underlining the importance of trade between Danish businesses and those on the Humber and opening up new business opportunities.

The Ambassador’s visit included a tour of DFDS Seaways’ facilities at Immingham; a reception hosted by the Bondholders marketing organisation at the offices on Hull Marina of specialist engineering business Spencer Group; and a dinner attended by Bondholder companies at the acclaimed Winteringham Fields restaurant in North Lincolnshire.

The Bondholders events were arranged by Danish-born Peter Aarosin, who is Chair of the Bondholders and also a director and shareholder in several companies that operate in ports and logistics within the Humber, including RMS Group, Danbrit Shipping and EastTrans.

Mr Aarosin said: “It was an honour for the Bondholders to host the Danish Ambassador, supported by embassy staff and the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce.

“The UK is one of Denmark’s longest-established and largest trading partners. Ports, logistics, farming and fishing have been the traditional trading areas and now the rapid growth of renewables is acting as a powerful catalyst for a range of joint ventures and shared investments, both in Denmark and on the Humber.

“The importance of Denmark as a trading partner and market for Humber businesses was demonstrated by the attendance at the dinner of almost 20 companies with Danish connections or who are currently doing business in Denmark or planning to do so. Our evening with the Danish Ambassador has strengthened further these important and beneficial Danish-Humber links.”

Ambassador Grube said Danish-owned companies such as DONG Energy and DFDS Seaways were key players in the Humber and leading the way in the region’s exciting resurgence.

He added: “My visit to the Humber estuary has given me a very good impression of the dynamic business development which has taken place over the past decade.

“I am very proud that important Danish companies are taking a very active part in this development, in particular in the areas of renewable energy production and sustainable shipping and transport.”

Sean Potter, Managing Director of DFDS Seaways Plc, which has been a member of the Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce for many years, said: “The Ambassador’s visit was an excellent opportunity to continue to build upon the very strong relationship that the Humber has with Denmark, of which DFDS plays a very important part.

“We were able to update the Ambassador on the exciting developments within the region. He can now take back those positive messages, which will be helpful in developing new trade links and growing existing business relationships.”

The dinner was also attended by Martin Green, Chief Executive of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, which has forged an alliance with Aarhus in Denmark, the European Capital of Culture 2017.

Ambassador Grube added: “We also welcome close cooperation between Hull and Aarhus in celebrating their respective cultural city years in 2017, which I am sure will strengthen the ties between Denmark and this important part of England.”