A black-tie gala dinner in a sensational new setting will raise the bar once again as city centre businesses come together for the 2019 HullBID Awards.
Time is running out for businesses to enter the ten categories, with competition guaranteed to be white hot as challengers in all sectors celebrate their achievements of the last year.
Click here to submit your entry - https://eu.jotform.com/form/83223309280350
Demand is also expected to be heavy for tickets for the awards ceremony which this year will take place in Hull Minster on Friday 22 February. The three finalists in every category will each receive four complimentary tickets for the gala dinner, with additional tickets available at a cost price of £40 each.
The awards, now in their sixth year, will be hosted by HullBID executive director Kathryn Shillito, and will highlight the city centre’s finest businesses. Nominations are welcomed from the business owners themselves, from their teams, from satisfied customers, family and friends.
Strong interest is expected for an event which has become a key date in the business calendar, raising the profile of the shortlisted businesses. The independent panel of judges with vast and wide-ranging experience of business in the city centre is looking forward to making some tough decisions.
Jim Harris, chair of the HullBID Board, said the nomination process is quick and easy and designed to attract the great and the good of Hull city centre businesses from small and independent operators to the many household names.
He said: “The awards are the culmination of lots and lots of hard work and a massive celebration of the quality of the businesses and their staff in Hull city centre. There is something for everybody and it’s a chance to let our staff know how proud we are of what they have done and to recognise their achievements both as individuals and as a team. I would urge businesses to have a good look at every category and have a go because this is a great shop window for Hull.”
Among the first businesses to enter was the team at Suit Direct and Ben Sherman in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, who will compete for the Dressed to Impress Award and will be hoping to generate some business among people determined to look their best for the big night.
Gary Drydale, assistant manager at the shop, said: “We decided to enter the awards because it’s a lot of fun, it’s a good way to raise our profile and what we do is all about making the most of those special occasions.”
In total, ten awards are up for grabs at the ceremony on Friday 22 February. Entries must be received by Monday 21 January and nomination forms can be obtained from Catherine Goble in the HullBID office on 01482 611802. They can also be completed on the Hull Daily Mail website at www.hull-live.co.uk/bidawards19.
The categories are:
Safe City Award (sponsored by Radphone) - Judges will be looking for a business/organisation/individual that had provided an outstanding contribution to protecting the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues or members of the public in Hull city centre.
Dressed to Impress Award (sponsored by Hull College) - This category will recognise a business/organisation/individual that has dressed their shop/business premises in a vibrant and eye-catching way OR given an outstanding commitment to cleanliness of their premises.
Outstanding Employee/s Award (sponsored by APCOA Parking) - Awarded to a shining star or top-notch team, who are applauded by their peers and have demonstrated superb focus, commitment and dedication to their role.
Innovative Marketing Award (sponsored by 360 Chartered Accountants) - Recognition for an individual/business/organisation that has developed a unique marketing initiative/campaign, or who has built an exceptional social media following.
Customer Service Excellence Award (supported by the Hull Daily Mail) - This award recognises an individual/business/organisation who embodies excellent customer service, going above and beyond the call of duty.
Contribution to the Community Award (sponsored by Hull Minster) - An award to recognise an outstanding act that has benefited the local community (including the business community), or has raised significant funds for good causes.
Best Business Progression Award (sponsored by Princes Quay) - Judges will be looking for a city centre individual/business/organisation that has shown excellent progression across 2017. This may be through expansion, high increase in turnover, diversifying the offer etc.
Commitment to Training and Development Award (sponsored by Kingston Recruitment) - An award to highlight a positive commitment to developing employees to their best potential. The business/organisation/individual must be able to demonstrate how the training has added value.
The Best in Food and Drink Award (sponsored by Saunts) - Recognition for an individual/business that strives to deliver exciting and unique food and drink concepts.
Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by St Stephens) - Recognition for an individual or team who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to being part of the city centre business community.
