There is a rich heritage of chemical industries in the Yorkshire and Humber region, providing an extremely well established and modern infrastructure that is a benefit to existing industry as well as 14% of all new chemical businesses that the region attracts. Here are some of the facts and figures about the regions chemical industry:

• A strong industry support network, including 2 regional chemical initiatives and 14 CICs
• A long established tradition of chemical and chemical-related production leading to a skilled, flexible and dedicated workforce
• Existing industry base of 450 companies employing over 24,000 people
• Strong service offering with an engineering contractor workforce of over 3,000
• Proximity to major UK markets/conurbations, as well as quick and easy access to major international markets
• Access to over 32 countries and 200 million customers worldwide via the Humber ports and their specialist facilities
• The Humber is home to the UK's busiest ports complex, handling over 80 million tonnes of cargo per year, 14% of this trade is from the chemical industries
• Yorkshire and Humber's chemicals industry has an annual turnover of over £8 billion
• Sheffield, Leeds and York have been identified by the RSC as one of the UK's major clusters of chemical science spin outs
• Internationally renowned universities, collectively producing 16% of the country's Chemistry graduates
• Active skills programme including the unique CATCH facility and the Yorkshire National Chemistry Science Education Centre
• World-class centres of expertise in the region's universities including the only UK school of Colour Chemistry at Leeds University
• The new National Logistics Institute at Hull University offers important opportunities to improve supply chain excellence in the chemical industry by optimisation of all elements in the logistics value chain
• Award-winning companies, including Vickers Laboratories, James Robinson and Syngenta
• The Yorkshire and Humber region is host to many major international groups, including BP, Degussa, Novartis, Croda, Huntsman, Syngenta, Total, Conoco Phillips, Nippon Gohsei, Univar, Yule Catto, Smith & Nephew, Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever
• The Humber ports complex has seen £1bn invested in new plant and infrastructure over last 5 years
• Significant key fuel and chemical feedstocks are available in the region, including natural gas, liquid crude oils and ethylene
• Strategic location to take advantage of the future 'hydrocarbon economy'
• Active public sector support to aid collaboration via highly innovative new business models such as the Virtual Enterprise Network
• Modern, efficient energy investments and generation
• A number of existing sites with room to accommodate new and diverse enterprises
• Utility feedstocks available on key sites include combined heat & power, electricity, piped nitrogen, high/medium pressure gases and potable/non potable water