HullBID Awards heading for bumper turnout
REMINDER: Kathryn Shillito at the HullBID Awards
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Applications have been flooding in for the 2024 HullBID Awards and organisers are expecting another rush of entries as the deadline approaches.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID executive director, said businesses and their customers were quick to respond when details of the awards were announced in November.
The festive break has since given business owners and managers more time to think about their approach to the awards, and the return to work is reminding people that the clock is ticking.
Kathryn said: “The deadline is 5pm on Monday January 22, 2024, which is much later than in previous years, and we’ll be sending reminders to all our members to make sure nobody misses out.
“The application process is confidential but we know from conversations with our contacts throughout the city centre that there is a huge amount of excitement among businesses in all categories, including a lot of local independents.”
Kathryn added that the awards have also attracted an enthusiastic response from sponsors, with organisations from the private and public sectors investing to support the city centre business community and raise its profile.
Prestige Recruitment, which operates in Hull, Leeds, Huddersfield and throughout the UK, is the main partner for the awards – first held 10 years ago – and also sponsors the outstanding contribution category.
Other sponsors have stepped up from sectors including law, languages, creative design, contact centres, commercial development and public transport. Hull City Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside are sponsoring categories which promote a better business environment through stylish and welcoming premises, and respectively for community involvement.
Kathryn said: “The backing from sponsors has been stronger than ever and demonstrates the calibre of businesses we have in the city centre and their recognition of the importance of working together.
“We’ve set the scene for a fantastic gala celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Friday February 23 and now it’s up to our members. We know the value they place on winning a HullBID Award and that’s why we’ve given them much more time to enter than in previous years.
SUPPORT: Kathryn Shillito with Adam Barnes, director of Prestige Recruitment
“We’re expecting that to result in a bumper turnout both in terms of applications from member organisations, nominations from customers and contacts and reservations for the glittering awards night.”
Entries for the awards can be submitted now through the HullBID events website with a deadline of 5pm on Monday January 22, 2024. The presentation night will take place on Friday February 23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull.
Entry is free and businesses can enter as many categories as they wish, provided they complete a separate form for each one. Shortlisted businesses will qualify for four free tickets for the big celebration night, with extra tickets available at a discount.
To view the awards categories, complete the simple application procedure and find out more about how to get your tickets for the celebration night visit hullbidevents.co.uk.
Awards categories:
Innovation – Sponsored by Bridge McFarland.
Stylish or Welcoming Premises – Sponsored by Hull City Council.
Outstanding Employee or Team Award – Sponsored by AaGlobal.
Longevity – Sponsored by Allenby Commercial.
Customer Service Excellence– Sponsored by Clearanswer.
Contribution to the Community – Sponsored by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing – Sponsored by Bryce Mennell.
The Best in Food and Drink – Sponsored by Hull Trains.
The Best Place to Work – Sponsored by St Stephen’s.
Outstanding Contribution – Sponsored by Prestige Recruitment.
Judges Special Recognition Award – Sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses.