Sunday 2nd August 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has released its 2025–26 Impact Report, revealing a strong year for business growth and investment across Bridlington and surrounding villages.
The report shows that Invest East Yorkshire and Visit East Yorkshire supported more than 1,100 local businesses, helping secure £52 million in new contracts. The council’s network of business centres — including Bridlington’s facilities — reached a 94% occupancy rate, with 46 new businesses moving in and 214 enterprises receiving ongoing, in‑depth support.
Local firms also benefitted from 91 grant awards, backing projects worth £1.59 million. This support helped create 65 new jobs, almost half of which went to young people aged 16 to 29. A further 47 new businesses were launched, more than double the council’s target.
Bridlington features prominently in the report, including a local coffee business that has grown from a one‑person mobile unit into an employer. Other case studies highlight how council support helped unlock major opportunities for businesses across the wider East Riding, demonstrating the ripple effect of investment that benefits Bridlington’s economy.
The report also outlines major inward investment facilitated by the council, including planning approvals for large‑scale industrial development at Freeport Goole, and national‑level projects such as LanzaTech’s £600 million sustainable aviation fuel facility at Saltend Chemicals Park. Construction also began on the £45 million Howden Relief Road.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in Bridlington’s economy. Visit East Yorkshire delivered or supported more than 40 events, including Race the Waves on Bridlington beach, which alone generated £1.4 million for the local economy. Across the programme, events returned £58 for every £1 invested, contributing £8.5 million to the visitor economy. A further 91 businesses signed up as tourism partners.
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We’re proud to play our role in encouraging investment and tourism, supporting local businesses and encouraging investment into the East Riding. It’s great to see the business support team exceed their targets and help support thriving communities in our region.”
The full Impact Report, including case studies, films and detailed figures, is available at: business-investment-tourism-services.netlify.app
