Businesses throughout Hull city centre came together to celebrate their achievements at the third edition of the HullBID Awards.
An audience comprising nominees, sponsors and guests packed into the Mercure Hull Royal Hotel for an occasion which showcased the best of the city centre’s various business sectors.
Nerves were jangling among the 27 businesses which were shortlisted for awards recognising such essential qualities as safety, customer service and training and development, but HullBID city centre manager Kathryn Shillito emphasised that everyone was a winner.
Among the new categories was a Lifetime Contribution Award, which was presented to Malcolm Scott, city centre-based entrepreneur and owner of Kardomah94.
Kathryn said: “The HullBID Awards is a celebration – an opportunity to draw together and highlight all our city centre businesses and, importantly, to recognise and reward all of you.
“This year’s nominations were outstanding and it’s clear the competition is hotting up. As always, the judging panel is independent, with judges chosen for their extensive knowledge of Hull city centre ....I know they had a tough job selecting the winners.”
Kathryn outlined the achievements of HullBID during the past year, notably in the renewal ballot, and spoke of the importance of strong partnerships to help businesses maximise the benefits of City of Culture.
She said: “Of course 2017 is on everyone’s minds and we’re working closely with the City Council and the City of Culture team to help businesses be prepared and to embrace this opportunity.”
Neil Hodgkinson, editor of the Hull Daily Mail, HullBID’s media partner for the event, said: “These awards are a superb indicator of the strength and vibrancy of a city. Without a strong, entrepreneurial, gutsy and dynamic city centre economy – both during the day and at night – then Hull will be nothing.
“You can have as many Siemens investments or City of Cultures as you want, but if there is nothing to do or see, enjoy or be entertained by, or browse and buy then there is no lifeblood.
“That is what everyone here tonight provides – the lifeblood, the energy and the foundation of success, now and in the future. And we need more of you. And more to be happening.
“City of Culture has got to be an opportunity to boost business and I think Hull will have its ‘game face’ on in 2017. It will be our ‘A’ game. Friendly, welcoming, business-like, flexible and ready to rock ‘n’ roll with whatever the economic gods send us.
“The City of Culture has to benefit all of you – it’s not just about culture. We need businesses to flourish, to be involved and to receive a major boost. We need people to want to come back because they had a great time. And you’ll play a major role in determining whether that happens.”
Roll of Honour
Winner – Sarah Firth from Hull City Council’s Environmental Crime Unit.
Shortlisted – PC Keith Lamplough of Humberside Police and Pete Laverack from White Star Security, The Maltings.
Winner – Cock of the Walk on Grimston Street.
Shortlisted – Asylum Industries in Princes Quay and Red5 in Princes Quay.
Winner – Lynn Ripley at Siesta Holidays in Paragon Street.
Shortlisted – the team at Johnston’s Butchers in Carr Lane and the team at Slaters Menswear in Jameson Street.
Winner – the team at Kingston Hotel in Trinity House Lane.
Shortlisted – the team at Dawson & Sanderson in Paragon Street and the team at Hull Truck Theatre on Ferensway.
Winner – the Team at Hull People’s Memorial in Whitefriargate.
Shortlisted – Jonathan Wright and John Compton of Eurovia in Hull city centre, and ResQ in Silvester Street.
Winner – David Meyers of Axis in Prospect Street.
Shortlisted – Jon Collins of Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie in Trinity Market and Hares & Graces in Princes Quay.
Winner – Princes Quay Shopping Centre.
Shortlisted – Gymophobics in Baker Street and Pride Hair, Beauty and Training Academy in Savile Street.
Winner – Bronx Clothing in Paragon Street.
Shortlisted – Cock of the Walk in Grimston Street and Poorboy Boutique in Princes Quay.
Winner – The Sugar Mill in Dagger Lane.
Shortlisted – Leonardo’s Bistro Bar in Princes Dock Street and Lion & Key / Wm Hawkes in the Old Town.
Winner – Malcolm Scott of Kardomah94 and Scotts Property.
