The head of HullBID delivered an upbeat message about progress based on partnerships as member businesses gathered for the organisation’s annual awards.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director who this year marks 15 years at the helm of the body, highlighted projects which have already brought improvements to the city centre with the regeneration of key sites including Whitefriargate and King William House.
Kathryn also fuelled excitement about forthcoming additions to the cityscape with the £27.4m Hull Maritime project on course for completion next year, and work under way with the development of Albion Square and the transformation of the iconic Europa House into the Monocle office complex.
She also noted that new challenges will always emerge but added the resilience shown in recent years provides plenty of cause for optimism.
She said: “The skills shortage hampering businesses is being addressed with the Local Skills Improvement Plan, enabling employers to build a stronger, more dynamic partnership between themselves and further education and training providers.
“Local independent developers are backing Hull city centre and its future and Hull City Council should be recognised for their vision and ambition too.
“We have a buzzing dining and drinking scene with entrepreneurial businesses gaining mentions in the Good Food Guide and we have the ambitious plans for Hull to become a Unesco City of Music – what recognition that would give to our local talent!”
Kathryn also said HullBID has stepped up with its vibrant events programme for businesses and their customers and will continue to play a key part.
She said: “Thousands of people attended our Hull Street Food Nights. Dino Day and Superhero Day packed in the families. Steampunks returned in force and our Trinity Festival Rebooted brought live music into city centre pubs.
“We supported the Princes Quay Santa’s Parade, we invested in Victorian Christmas and a digital Christmas campaign promoted that Hull was still open for business despite the disruption with closures of the A63.
“We’ll continue keeping businesses connected, sharing information on behalf of our partners and stakeholders, keeping everybody in the loop and ensuring city centre businesses have a voice with HullBID at its core.”
Adam Barnes, Managing Director of the main awards sponsor Prestige Recruitment Ltd, told how his business became hooked by the occasion after winning the contribution to the community category in 2022.
He said: “Our win raised the profile of the business in general. It also built morale among our team because it helped to show them what we are trying to achieve and what the potential rewards are.
“We asked HullBID if we could be the main sponsor on this 10th anniversary of the awards because we want other businesses to share the benefits. It’s part of our commitment to specialist, local, homegrown businesses.
“You have got to support your local community and we want to help local people get into local industry and upskill it. The awards are an important part of that because if you see somebody doing well you want to be a part of that.”
HULLBID AWARDS ROLL OF HONOUR
Innovation Award sponsored by Bridge McFarland
Winner: Rubicon Bridge Limited
Shortlisted: Kicks Bar & Grill and Princes Quay Events Space
Stylish or Welcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council
Winner: Artisan Flowers
Shortlisted: Lili + Mila’s Empawrium and 19Point4
Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by AaGlobal
Winner: SuperbowlUK
Shortlisted: Hannah Hartley of Smart Temporary Solutions and Mike Glover of St Stephen’s
Longevity Award sponsored by Allenby Commercial
Winner: B Cooke & Son Ltd
Shortlisted: Bob Carvers and Rollits LLP
Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Clearanswer
Winner: Hull Museums and Gallery
Shortlisted: Pepperells Solicitors and Blacks
Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside
Winner: Hull Freedom Quarter
Shortlisted: Good Things Market and Central Library Big Malarkey Festival
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Bryce Mennell
Winner: 360 Chartered Accountants
Shortlisted: Sadofskys Chartered Accountants and Rollits LLP
The Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains
Winner: Milchig
Shortlisted: Stretch Pizza and Koffee Lab
The Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s
Winner: Spencer Group
Shortlisted: DoubleTree by Hilton and Hinks Insurance
Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Prestige Recruitment
Winner: Hull College
Shortlisted: Ferens Art Gallery and The Deep
Judges Special Recognition Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses
Winner: Mikey Martins, Freedom Festival Arts Trust
