The visit is part of a new UK Government ‘domestic roadshow’ scheme, which sees ambassadors and high commissioners sent across the country to meet businesses.
A spokesperson said the aim of the scheme is to “strengthen partnerships across the UK, drive trade and investment, and deliver the UK Government’s Plan for Change.”
Stephen Doughty, minister for Europe, said: “Kickstarting economic growth is our number one priority and our Ambassadors are playing an important role in this mission.
“They know their markets better than anyone else and are able to spot opportunities to help UK businesses to grow overseas and attract foreign investment into local communities.
(Centre) Ambassador Andrew Mitchell with (L) Siemens Mark Speed and (R) Aglaja Scheider, project director for London Piccadily line (Image: FCDO)
“It’s all about creating good jobs and delivering real opportunities for communities across the country, including in Hull and East Yorkshire.”
The visit focused on deepening business connections with Germany, the UK’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade worth nearly £150 billion and supporting almost half a million UK jobs.
During his time in East Yorkshire, Mr Mitchell toured Siemens Mobility’s rail engineering facility in Goole, part of the Goole 36 enterprise zone.
The German company has invested £240 million in the site, which is set to build the next generation of Piccadilly line trains for the London Underground and create 1,000 jobs.
Mr Mitchell, who had visited Swindon for the opening of a new factory by German defence company STARK, said: “It’s exciting to be in Hull and East Yorkshire and develop the relationships that will supercharge growth in every corner of the UK.
“The UK Government’s Plan for Change and our new Industrial Strategy is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to using these roadshow discussions to showcase Hull and East Yorkshire on the international stage.”
The ambassador’s visit was one of more than a dozen roadshow stops made so far across the UK.
Looking at the figures, Yorkshire and the Humber contributes 4.2 per cent of UK goods exports to Germany and 5 per cent of total imports.
German visitors to the region generated more than £29 million in 2024.
The Siemens Gamesa wind turbine blade factory at Greenport Hull last year announced a contract worth more than £1 billion with ScottishPower, supporting 1,300 local jobs.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK&I, said: “We were delighted to host the Ambassador at our state-of-the-art Goole Rail Village, demonstrating our commitment to the local communities where we operate and the wider UK rail industry.
“Investing in cutting-edge facilities and skilled jobs to help boost economic growth all forms part of our mission to transform rail travel in the UK.”