Hull has a lot going for it right now.

The city, with a population of around 250,000 and on the east coast of England, remains a busy port, handling 13 million tonnes of cargo per year. Freight handling at the port is projected to rise following Network Rail's investment of £14.5 million in the rail link, which was completed in mid-2008. The port operations run by Associated British Ports and other companies in the port employ 5,000 people. A further 18,000 are employed as a direct result of the port's activities. The port area of the city has diversified to compensate for the decline in fishing by the introduction of Roll-on Roll-off ferry services to the continent of Europe. These ferries now handle over a million passengers each year.

Hull has exploited the leisure industry by creating a marina from the old Humber Street Dock in the centre of the city. It opened in 1983 and has 270 berths for yachts and small sailing craft.

Industry in the city is focused on the chemical and health care sectors. Several well-known British companies, including BP, Smith & Nephew, Seven Seas, and Reckitt Benckiser, have facilities in Hull. The health care sector is further enhanced by the research facilities provided by the University of Hull through the Institute of Woundcare and the Hull York Medical School partnerships. In August 2010 a 110% increase was reported in tourism enquiries to the city, with Hull becoming an increasingly popular destination for "staycation" short breaks.

Overlooking the Humber, the new £165 million Humber Quays development, which has now gained World Trade Centre status, is adding new high-quality office space to Hull's waterfront. Kingston upon Hull is also home to the University of Hull, which was founded in 1927 and received its Royal Charter in 1954. It now has a total student population of around 20,000 across its main campuses in Hull and Scarborough.