Camilla Carlbom Flinn was overwhelmed to have been named Humber Renewables Champion, having been blindsided by the judging panel she had been part of.
Her sterling work through a huge period of change for the regional group Humber Marine and Renewables – at a time when her own business was bought out – was a key consideration.
The intense element of surprise was clear, with comedic magician Ben Hanlin describing it as an ‘Ant & Dec’ style wind-up.
Camilla said: It is quite overwhelming. This room is overflowing with people who I admire, I look up to and I respect, and to receive this when surrounded by so many amazing companies, amazing people and the future also of this region, with all these wonderful apprentices, it really is a surprise and really is an honour.”
Born in Cleethorpes, she studied international business management and broadcast journalism, with an early media career taking her to Paris, London and New York before she returned to Lincolnshire in 2008. Her father Anthony’s passing saw her take the helm of Carlbom Shipping, navigating the business into the burgeoning offshore wind market as a mainstay, coal, entered terminal decline.
It was later held up as a key supply chain partner by Orsted – the world leader in the sector.
Camilla went on to take on the roles of honorary consul for Sweden and Finland, chair of the Humber chapter of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and become a member of the Swedish Council in London, actively promoting business and cultural connections across the North Sea.
Presenting the award, HMR chair Iain Butterworth said: “Work in renewables preceded her becoming a director, her role has included the successful merger between Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewable Partnership and she consistently supports its mission, members and directors.”
He added that she was “incredibly supportive” making “so many introductions locally, nationally and internationally,” in his first year in the top role. She has also played a “significant role” in a Department for Transport funding bid that “could mean a lot for the region,” Mr Butterworth added.
The family ships’ agency business, based in Stallingborough, was bought by Pentagon Freight Services in 2022, and she remains as a director.
Significant role in a DfT funding bid that could mean a lot for the region.
Orsted’s senior stakeholder adviser, Lauren Little, was named Humber Renewables Women of the Year. She was also full of admiration for the talent gathered to celebrate.
Asked how to encourage others into the sector, she said: “It is ace. Look at all these amazing people I work with in this industry. There is so much opportunity no matter what you want to do, the world is your oyster and I am so privileged to work in it among all these amazing people.”
Grimsby-born she concluded her university studies with a thesis on the opportunity offshore wind would afford North East Lincolnshire. Now she’s written herself into the sector’s history.
“I am so delighted,” she said. “To write about it, to work in it, and to be nominated, I was so humbled. The town gets a hard time, but it really punches above its weight, it is a centre of expertise and excellence for operations and maintenance, and people need to recognise that. It is the opportunity it brings to children, young people, everybody, and that’s what’s the best bit about this industry.”
