Hosted in partnership with the E-Factor and The Business Hive, the tours welcomed 24 attendees from 15 local businesses spanning sectors from IT and hospitality to banking, printing, wind recruitment and photography. Building on a successful trial last year, the visits offered a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations that are currently providing enough green electricity to power over 3.3 million UK homes. With Hornsea 3 being built and Hornsea 4 in development, Ørsted is on track to power one in four UK homes from Grimsby.
The E-Factor Group is a not-for-profit organisation that supports local businesses with personalised 1:1 guidance, access to premises and facilities, and the Business Hive Club – offering expert resources. They pride themselves on being entirely dedicated to the success of small to medium enterprises in our local area.
Lauren Little, senior stakeholder advisor, Ørsted: “We are lucky to have lots of amazing local businesses that we work with daily, so we were delighted to welcome even more to the East Coast Hub. It was great to be able share how our teams operate and maintain some of the world’s most significant offshore wind projects. The enthusiasm and questions from attendees show just how engaged our local community is with the transition to clean energy. We’re proud to be part of Grimsby’s growth story and to continue building opportunities with local suppliers and partners.”
Now in its fifth year, the Great Big Small Business Festival has grown bigger and better each year, bringing together the local business community for a dynamic week of connection, learning, and recognition. Led by E-Factor and The Business Hive, the festival showcases the breadth and strength of North East Lincolnshire’s SMEs, highlighting opportunities to collaborate across sectors and with major employers in the region.
Mark Webb, managing director, E-Factor: “The Great Big Small Business Festival is all about connection, learning, and recognition - and these Ørsted tours deliver all three. Seeing the scale of operations at the East Coast Hub gives our local businesses a new perspective on the opportunities right here in North East Lincolnshire. It’s inspiring and energising for the entire community.”
The aim of the tours was to help local businesses learn more about the industry on their doorstep - what they wouldn’t normally get to see - and to strengthen connections across the North East Lincolnshire business community.
Les Burrows, national technical and sales manager, from Cengar said: “Getting behind the scenes at Ørsted was eye‑opening. It’s incredible to be part of a local area who is a world leader in offshore wind. The East Coast Hub is a fantastic set up, and the team have already been so helpful and friendly. I'm excited to see what else is to come!"
