Pictured is Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, with Adam Barnes, Director Prestige Recruitment.
Businesses in Hull city centre are buzzing with excitement after HullBID announced the shortlists for its awards, which are now in their tenth year.
HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito said member businesses have again submitted an array of high-calibre submissions for each of the 10 categories, with the independent judges also facing the task of selecting a special recognition winner from a competitive field.
Prestige Recruitment, the overall sponsors for the awards, celebrated two years ago as one of the winners and Director Adam Barnes said publication of the shortlists has brought back memories of the nervous excitement which his team experienced.
Kathryn said: “We’ve had another fantastic response which shows the value business place on the HullBID Awards. We’ve seen more entries this year particularly from professional services firms and we still have the usual mix of retail, leisure, hospitality and culture which reflects the great variety in the city centre business community. The contenders range from recent start-ups making their mark in new industries to traditional firms dating back nearly 200 years.
“The vast majority of finalists are local independent businesses, and it’s encouraging to see how they have survived and are now thriving. Some have nominated themselves and others have been put forward by staff and customers. We’re looking forward to seeing them all at the celebration dinner.”
The awards night will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ferensway, Hull, on Friday February 23 with well-known broadcasters Amanda White and Phil White again bringing their professional polish to the hosting duties.
All finalists will receive four complimentary tickets to the Grand Awards Ceremony where they can enjoy a three course meal with wine. Extra tickets can be purchased at a discounted price of £44 plus VAT each.
Adam said: “Prestige Recruitment chose to enter the BID Awards in 2022 primarily to support the event. We felt the Contribution to the Community Award was the most relevant to the business especially as it marked our 30th year of trading.
“We genuinely did not believe that Prestige would win such an accolade, especially against such strong contenders such as AaGlobal Language Services and KCOM. On the night of the event, when it came to announcing the winner, we were astounded. To accept the award alongside colleagues that have been an integral part of the business’s growth was a very proud moment indeed.
“We are over the moon to be this year's main sponsor, as the HullBID Awards have a great place in the business community and allow us to share in the success of every nomination.”
To book tickets for the HullBID Awards 2024 gala celebration dinner please email francesca@hullbid.co.uk
To be presented to a HullBID member business or organisation selected by the panel, irrespective of whether they have entered the awards, for their work to enhance the status of Hull city centre.
Please contact Francesca francesca@hullbid.co.uk if you would like to purchase tickets for the awards.
