Associated British Ports Strengthens Community Investment by Becoming Founder Patron of Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby

Pictured L to R Max Burnett (ABP), Lucy Ottewell-Key (Horizon), Andrew Dawes (ABP) and Fiona Wright (Horizon)

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports has joined Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby as a Founder Patron, contributing to the charity’s long-term sustainability and enabling it to provide modern facilities, youth programmes, and professional support services to young people across North East Lincolnshire. The partnership reflects a shared goal of raising aspirations, creating pathways into sectors such as maritime and logistics, and ensuring access to safe spaces where young individuals can develop skills and confidence. Since opening, the Youth Zone has introduced a wide range of recreational, creative, and employability-focused amenities while also creating jobs and volunteer roles, and as part of the national OnSide Network it continues to expand its reach to thousands of young people through affordable, inclusive access.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 20-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced its role as a Founder Patron of the Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby, reinforcing its commitment to supporting initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people. Through this partnership, ABP will help the charity sustain a safe and motivating environment where young individuals can develop skills, build confidence, and explore their potential.

As a Founder Patron, ABP becomes part of a collective of businesses, organisations, and philanthropic supporters that contribute to Horizon’s annual operating costs. This funding ensures the continued delivery of modern facilities, diverse programmes, and professional youth services for thousands of young people across North East Lincolnshire.

Andrew Dawes, ABP’s Regional Director for the Humber, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the organisation is proud to support an initiative designed to inspire ambition and expand opportunities for local youth. He highlighted ABP’s intention to work closely with Horizon to introduce young people to career pathways within the Humber’s port and maritime industries.

Lucy Ottewell Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, welcomed the partnership and emphasised that ABP’s backing sends a strong signal of confidence in the next generation. She noted that such support allows the charity to provide a secure and encouraging setting where young people can connect with others, uncover their talents, and gain the self-belief needed to succeed.

Following its recent grand opening, Horizon Youth Zone now offers members access to a wide range of facilities, including an indoor climbing wall, a four-court sports hall, a teaching kitchen, a music suite with recording studio, a fully equipped gym, a sensory room, dance and drama studios, a 3G kick pitch, creative arts spaces, and an enterprise and employability hub. Alongside these amenities, qualified youth workers and volunteers are present seven days a week to deliver guidance, mentorship, and holistic support. The centre is also generating permanent employment and volunteering opportunities within the community.

Horizon Youth Zone operates as an independent charity governed by a private sector-led board and forms part of the OnSide Network, which includes 18 Youth Zones nationwide collectively supporting more than 55,000 young people each year. The centres are open daily to those aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for individuals with additional needs, with membership priced at £5 annually and visits costing 50p to ensure accessibility for all.

Media Contacts:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

Hannah Kitcher
Group Corporate Communications Manager
hannah.kitcher@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7969 209 652

SOURCE: Associated British Ports