Former chair of Northern Foods and Humber Local Enterprise Partnership was ‘quite simply an icon’
Lord Christopher Haskins(Image: Reach Plc)
Many tributes have been paid to a dedicated champion of the Humber region, Lord Christopher Haskins, who has sadly died at the age of 88. The death of Lord Haskins, whose experience was described as “invaluable” by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, was announced on Monday, March 30.
Born near Dublin, in Ireland, Lord Haskins moved to the country many decades ago, and quickly came to call East Yorkshire his home. The son of a dairy farmer, Lord Haskins briefly flirted with the idea of becoming a journalist before opting for a career in business instead.
He rose to become the chairman of the successful FTSE 100 Northern Foods and Express Dairies – a business with an impressive client base across the chilled food sector. Established on his family’s farm at Skidby – he was ennobled as a life peer with the title Baron Haskins, of Skidby, in the County of the East Riding of Yorkshire, in 1998 – Lord Haskins was the man Tony Blair’s Labour government turned to as its “Rural Tsar” at the height of the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. He chaired the Council of the Open University and also Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, being instrumental in redefining the Humber as a green energy estuary and helping to lay the foundations for the likes of Siemens Gamesa to invest in the region.
In 2018, he was presented with the Lifetime Contribution Award at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards. In a video message shown at the occasion, Mr Blair said of Lord Haskins: “Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a consistent and formidable voice for rural Britain, always standing up for their best interests.
“His no-nonsense approach was invaluable to me and the Government, particularly during the foot and mouth crisis when he became the ‘Rural Tsar.’ I could not have got through it without his counsel and determination.
“He has never been one to stay silent, or been afraid to stand up in what he believes in. He is still a strong voice, making valuable contributions to the Brexit debate, using his energy and enthusiasm to ensure rural communities are not left behind.”
Lord Haskins tirelessly campaigned to have the county’s voice heard at the highest levels of government, and for investment in the region. Hull City Council is among those that have been paying tribute.
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of the council, and Cllr Daren Hale, leader of majority opposition group at the council, said: “The council was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Christopher Haskins. Over his long career, Lord Haskins had an instrumental role in driving business investment, growth and employment across the Humber.
“Most significantly, he chaired the Northern Foods and Express Dairies FTSE 100 company before also founding and chairing the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership. His connections into government were critical in ensuring Hull and the Humber always had a voice in Westminster and in facilitating quick and effective investment decisions, which provided much-needed support to businesses across the region.
“One of his biggest contributions was his involvement in bringing Siemens to the city, creating significant investment and employment and repurposing Alexandra Dock as the centre for Hull to become a global leader in the offshore industry.” Matt Jukes, chief executive of the council, said: “Having previously worked with Chris for many years, including as a founding member of the Humber LEP, I saw at first hand his drive, enthusiasm and passion for our region and what this delivered. We have lost a true champion for the Humber and he will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts are with Lord Haskins’ family and friends at this very difficult time.” David Atkinson is chair of Hull Maritime Foundation.
He said: “Lord Haskins’ work with the Hull Maritime Foundation exemplified his lifelong dedication to civic duty and cultural stewardship, plus his commitment to celebrating the history and strengths of his adopted city. Hull’s maritime story, its resilience and its relationship with the sea, was something he believed should be celebrated widely and protected carefully.
“His leadership, momentum and vision helped secure funding and raise awareness of the Hull Maritime project. He leaves behind an extraordinary imprint on Hull’s cultural landscape that will continue to shape the city for generations.”
Stephen Parnaby, business development director at Wren Kitchens, paid tribute, saying: “I got to know Lord Christopher Haskins in my role as leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council when he was asked by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair to write a paper on rural issues following foot and mouth. Chris based a lot of his evidence from this area.
“We became close and this continued when he was a director of the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, and more latterly in his capacity as chair of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership; I had the privilege of being his deputy.
“We became good friends, I held him in the highest regard. Quite simply Chris was an icon. Having had a hugely successful career heading a multi-national company, serving on various organisations, he was only too happy to give his time, effort and expertise to promoting the area and local economy.
“He was very much hands on – if he said he would do something, he did it. Chris didn’t collect titles or accolades for his own ego, he did things because he wanted to and to make a difference.
“He was a remarkable man who I was proud to know.” Paul Sewell, driving force behind Hull-based Sewell Group and chairman of Hull Kingston Rovers, said: “I have few business heroes, but Chris Haskins is one of them.
“Super bright, knowledgeable, direct and passionate about what he believed in, he was a huge advocate for this area and its people. I learned much working with him and this has left its mark – and me a better person. His presence and influence will be sorely missed.”
Rob Walsh, former chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Chris Haskins was arguably the Humber region’s most effective advocate and greatest champion. As chair of the Humber LEP he mastered the art of bringing private and public sector leaders together to focus on creating the conditions for major inward investment and the growth of established, new and emerging sectors.
“The strategic economic growth opportunities crystallising around the Humber can be traced back to the leadership, tenacity and political skill that Chris exhibited with great style and humility for so long. A true northern powerhouse who leaves a great legacy. RIP.”
Alan Johnson, former Hull West and Hessle MP who was Home Secretary in 2009 and 2010, said: “’Chris Haskins had a razor sharp brain and an astute capacity to lead. He was also great fun to be with.
“As farmer, business leader and politician, we were fortunate to have this engaging Irishman advocating for Hull and East Riding.”
Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said: “The Open University extends its thoughts and sympathies to the family and friends of Lord Haskins at this sad time. We are extremely grateful for the service he gave during his nine-year tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at The Open University from 2005 to 2014.
“Lord Haskins was a huge supporter of The Open University and the life-changing opportunities it provides through flexible, online higher education which is open to all.”
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