The independent judging panel has revealed the shortlist for the HullBID Awards 2023, which will see the best of the city centre business community battle it out for the ultimate recognition from their peers at a gala celebration dinner next month.
Entries have been submitted for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors across 10 categories and there is also a special recognition award from the judges.
BBC Radio Humberside reporter Amanda White and presenter Phil White will again bring their professional polish to the hosting duties at the Awards night, which will take place on Friday 27 January at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. All shortlisted businesses receive four free tickets to the event and extra tickets can be bought at cost for £40 plus VAT by contacting francesca@hullbid.co.uk
1 Eco-Friendly Award
Sponsored by AA Global
Lush
Lush is committed to creative solutions to make a positive impact on the planet. Recycling is routine, and customers get 50p for each piece of returned packaging.
Niu
The team at Niu have made the switch from suppling prestige petrol and diesel cars to selling 100% electric motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.
Poorboy Boutique
Poorboy and its Wornwell brand are famous for recycling clothing and are now investing in solar panels, LED lighting and electric vehicles.
2 Welcoming Premises Award
Sponsored by HEY Credit Union
The Brain Jar
There’s always a warm welcome at Brain Jar and the team now combine art with their primary product of cocktails to create a “visual cacophony” of talent and creativity.
Lost City Adventure Golf
Lost City offers food, drink and a round of incredibly fun golf in a tropical rainforest setting right in the heart of Hull city centre.
Milchig
In doubling their space at Paragon Arcade, Milchig added seating and style with textures and colours creating an environment for all ages to enjoy great coffee and food.
3 Outstanding Team or Employee Award
Sponsored by Hinks Insurance
Bonus Arena
The five-strong sales, hospitality and marketing team at the Bonus Arena have smashed every target to make 2022 the venue’s most successful year yet.
Louise Mendham (Hull Trains)
The Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, Louise has already earned national recognition for her “selfless and outstanding” contribution to the UK rail industry.
Res Q
ResQ places huge value on creating outstanding employees and teams and has been rewarded with a string of awards and constantly improving KPIs.
4 Innovative Marketing Award
Sponsored by St Stephen’s
Bad Wolf Gaming
Social media supremo Jen Brant is attracting customers from far and wide to Bad Wolf Gaming with her friendly posts and banter from Facebook to Tiktok.
Pepperells Solicitors
Pepperells is making effective use of a dynamic, multimedia approach which is building the business by finding new and engaging ways to communicate with clients.
Poorboy Boutique/Wornwell
Poorboy Boutique’s success in getting its Wornwell brand into Primark has kicked off a marketing campaign which is gaining recognition around the world.
5 Customer Service Excellence Award
Sponsored by East Yorkshire
Holiday Inn Hull Marina
The team at the Holiday Inn Hull Marina put Hull on the map as one of the top 10 UK destinations in its group for 2022, and exceeded customer expectations during the ongoing A63 roadworks.
Plant & Paint
A policy of putting people first with a members’ club and regular events has earned Plant & Paint five-star reviews from a growing social media following.
Reach Recruitment
Reach Recruitment set out to be different this year by launching new corporate values and has been rewarded with overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients and candidates.
6 Contribution to the Community Award
Sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside
Hull4Heroes
With a team of just six staff and 30 volunteers Hull4Heroes works tirelessly, 24/7 and 365 days a year, to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Jubilee Central
Jubilee Central makes a huge difference to the lives of homeless people, lonely and isolated people, refugees and asylum seekers, people living in poverty, and people working towards accessing employment.
State of the Arts Academy
State of the Arts performing arts school has earned glowing testimonials for its inclusive approach, making a difference to the lives of people of all ages and all abilities.
7 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Sponsored by Hull City Council
Hearth Restaurant & Bakery
Hearth has grown from running a trailer serving family and friends to a team of 15 operating a restaurant and bakery which has earned rave reviews.
Hotham’s Ltd
A serial award winner for its gin and gin schools, Hotham’s Ltd is making the most of its spacious new premises to expand its activities.
Nanouk
The success of LW Plants in Whitefriargate was the inspiration for Nanouk, a sister venue serving classy cocktails in a botanical-themed setting.
8 Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award
Sponsored by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Gymophobics
Kaylee Carver is credited by clients with introducing a range of new ideas and inspiring members to make progress together since she took over Gymophobics.
ResQ
ResQ won gold at the UK National Contact Centre Awards in June for the company’s health and wellbeing programme and continues to work towards its goal of supporting employees.
Rollits LLP
Rollits ensured businesses and the wider community shared the benefits of the firm’s health and wellbeing commitment including a free resilience workshop during Biz Week.
9 The Best in Food and Drink Award
Sponsored by the Prospect Centre
The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar
The Brazilian prides itself on the efforts of a team who work hard to deliver a first-class dining and drinking experience and excellent customer service.
The Hispanist
Chef patron Nick Hill kept his promise to bring the authentic taste of Spain to Hull and has been rewarded with glowing testimonials from a discerning clientele.
The Lexington
A rooftop bar with fantastic views across Hull also offers a unique cocktail menu which celebrates the city’s social, economic and cultural history.
10 Outstanding Contribution Award
Sponsored by The 55 Group
Helen Thackeray (Hull City Council)
Helen is held in the highest regard by city centre businesses as a key Hull City Council contact who goes above and beyond her role as events manager to build successful partnerships.
Prestige Recruitment
Prestige Recruitment has again excelled during 2022 by supporting such organisations as charities, education, the prison service and the NHS, embracing diversity every step of the way.
Special Stars Foundation
Special Stars has provided a city centre destination which provides facilities, services and more for thousands of families across the region affected by disability.
Judges’ Special Recognition Award
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.