Awards ceremony shines light on Covid business resilience
‘GREAT NIGHT’: Jo Fleming
The winners of this year’s Hull and East Yorkshire People in Business Awards (HEYPIBAs) have been announced.
The HEYPIBAs were set up two years ago by East Yorkshire entrepreneur Jo Fleming to shine a light on the hard work and resilience demonstrated by businesses and individuals across the region.
The winners of this year’s awards were revealed at a virtual ceremony, with a special mention to the efforts of businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jo said: “Reading through the awards entries for the year that featured an unprecedented national lockdown, I was struck more than ever by the great talent we have in so many of our East Yorkshire businesses.
“From start-ups to global brands based in the region, what came up time and again was the significant impact people have had on driving business success and a positive culture during what has been one of the most challenging years any of us have ever witnessed.
“This year, businesses have relied on the skills, determination, loyalty and tenacity of their teams to prosper, and each winner is entirely deserving of the recognition.
“It was a great night and gave nominees and winners a reason to celebrate and consider the positive contributions that have been made by so many this year.”
The event’s sponsors, including headline sponsor Wilberforce College, announced the winners at the ceremony hosted at Bridlington Spa last night.
WINNNER: David Hall
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to David Hall, who has been in business for over 40 years, providing business coaching services to help over 100 businesses produce results “beyond expectations”.
Founder of For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO), David has been busy during lockdown writing a book. Pitched as ‘a book for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs’, Telling Tales details how to successfully start and grow a business.
The founders of vehicle-wrapping company Brandfixx, David and Greg Saunderson, were recognised for their innovation in the region and Chameleon Business Interiors, the commercial interior design, fit-out and furnishing firm, was successful in the Team Impact category, following its flexible and fast adaptation to lockdown restrictions.
The region’s big businesses were also celebrated, from consumer goods company Reckitt to food producer Cranswick.
Elly Taylor, of Hull’s events and technology consultancy business GBE Connect, the team that coordinated the awards, said: “It was really key to the team and everyone who contributed to putting the event on this year that we made sure the finalists felt the recognition they deserved and that we put on a truly enjoyable show for everyone to enjoy.
“We saw a really impressive level of nominations and we’re already planning for next year, with businesses outside of the region showing an interest in the People in Business Awards concept. Watch this space!
“I’d also like to thank all of our sponsors for getting involved again this year. Particularly our headline sponsor, Wilberforce College, who really went above and beyond.”
HEYPIBA winners
Rising Star – Chantelle Chambers, Synergi Partner Finance
Above and Beyond – Ellie Clark, Joshua James Jewellery
Apprentice – Bethany Barwell, Reckitt
First Class Service – Blab Digital
Customer Hero – Gary Clark, Chanterlands DIY
Start-up Entrepreneur – John Masson, Click
Entrepreneur – Rob Partridge, Synergi Partner Finance
Innovator – David and Greg Saunderson, Brandfixx
Inspiring Contribution – Joanne Dixon, HBP Systems
Mentor – Carl Warner, NEC Software Solutions (formerly APD Communications)
Team Impact (below ten) – Hull Children’s University
Team Impact eleven plus – Chameleon Business Interiors
Manager – Aurimas Stancikas, Cranswick
Grit – Kai Gill, Cobus Communications
Judges Recognition – Reckitt
Lifetime Achievement – David Hall.