City centre businesses praised for resilience at Hull BID Awards 2023
MESSAGE: Kathryn Shillito, executive director of Hull BID
By Simon Bristow
City centre businesses have been praised for their resilience and sustainability as they gathered at the Hull BID Awards 2023 to celebrate survival and success in the face of ongoing adversity.
Kathryn Shillito, executive director of Hull Business Improvement District (BID), also assured companies of the unwavering support of her organisation as they ride out the economic storm and work towards a brighter city centre which will share the benefits of transformational investment.
Kathryn said: “It is quite extraordinary to witness the sustainability of businesses, particularly in retail and hospitality, who doggedly continue trading. They may have a reduced workforce, they may have reduced opening hours, but they are still around.
“We have a dining and drinking scene to be proud of. We have thriving professional services and beauty services sectors. The growth in city centre residents brings knock-on spending and the gradual increase in footfall is encouraging.
“We see new unique independents springing up. The final phase in the Fruit Market’s development shouts success and we are witnessing progression as the BHS building is demolished, making way for Albion Square, whilst the Maritime Museum is undergoing transformation.”
The Hull BID Awards brought together more than 300 people at the city’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel to honour the city centre business community, and in particular the best in a series of categories showcasing attributes including customer service, innovation, eco-awareness and health and wellbeing. The hospitality sector was prominent among the winners, and others came from law, retail, the community and local government.
SUCCESS: Winners of the Hull BID Awards 2023
Guests of honour included Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, Hull City Council Leader Councillor Mike Ross, and Jonathan Evison, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.
Kathryn said: “Hull BID continues its vital role in keeping businesses connected and sharing information on behalf of Hull City Council, the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP, the Chamber of Commerce, travel providers and more on anything that has a positive or detrimental effect on our members.
“Hull BID knits into the fabric of our great city centre and our awards guest lists shows we cannot do this alone. Our relationship with Hull City Council is one of partnership working, with our frequent calls for support dealt with quickly.
“Safety and security is our members’ biggest concern so the resurrection of the City Stakeholder Group, jointly chaired by a senior police officer, gives businesses an opportunity to share their real, everyday concerns.”
Kathryn added that the work of the partners creates a productive environment for businesses and for Hull BID’s vibrant events programme.
She said: “This year we’ll be working with our partners including Visit Hull to animate and promote the city centre further with more street entertainment. We know from research into our events that they benefit businesses by attracting thousands of participants and spectators of all ages.
“They also secure sponsorship from large and small businesses from the local area and further afield. Backers included some national brands which have experienced the benefits of stepping up as key partners and investing in our community. We are grateful to all of them for that support.”
Hull BID Awards 2023 was sponsored by The 55 Group.
Roll of Honour
Eco-Friendly Award, sponsored by AA Global Language Services
Winner: Niu Hull
Shortlisted: Lush and Poorboy Wornwell
Welcoming Premises Award, sponsored by HEY Credit Union
Winner: The Brain Jar
Shortlisted: Lost City Adventure Golf and Milchig
Outstanding Employee or Team Award, sponsored by Hinks Insurance
Winner: Louise Mendham of Hull Trains
Shortlisted: The Sales, Marketing and Hospitality Team, Bonus Arena, and ResQ
Innovative Marketing Award, sponsored by St Stephen’s
Winner: Poorboy Wornwell
Shortlisted: Bad Wolf Gaming and Pepperells Solicitors
Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses
Winner: Holiday Inn Hull Marina
Shortlisted: Plant & Paint and Reach Recruitment
Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside
Winner: Jubilee Central
Shortlisted: Hull4Heroes and State of the Arts Academy
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, sponsored by Hull City Council
Winner: Hotham’s Limited
Shortlisted: Hearth Restaurant and Bakery and Nanouk
Commitment to Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Winner: Rollits LLP
Shortlisted: Gymophobics and ResQ
Best in Food and Drink Award, sponsored by the Prospect Centre
Winner: The Hispanist
Shortlisted: The Brazilian Churrascaria and Bar and The Lexington Rooftop Bar
Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by The 55 Group
Winner: Helen Thackeray of Hull City Council
Shortlisted: Prestige Recruitment and Special Stars Foundation
Judges’ Special Recognition Awards
Winners: Lena’s Ukrainian Kitchen and Eric Davies of St Stephen’s