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

Previous
Previous

‘Creating a curriculum for the 21st century’: Hull College launches ‘digital transformation’

Next
Next

Ron Dearing UTC signs up four more Major Partners to further boost students’ prospects