Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards Celebrate Local Achievements

The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards marked a significant milestone this year, celebrating 25 years of business excellence in the region. The event recognized various winners from prominent sectors such as logistics, leisure, and food production, highlighting their contributions to the local economy. The gala brought together around 500 attendees, culminating in a heartfelt moment as Peter Brown received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brown, who has dedicated 60 years to the global logistics provider Neill & Brown, expressed his commitment to the business and its legacy. “This means so much,” he stated during his acceptance speech. “Our business started in 1917, and I don’t want to sell it; I want to employ more people and keep it going.” His sentiments resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the pride and passion of the local business community.

This year’s awards were under the stewardship of entrepreneur Simon Jones and events specialist Jane Smallwood. Their efforts have emphasized the importance of legacy and community engagement. Television presenter Gethin Jones hosted the event, which kicked off with a performance by local indie rocker Fiona-Lee, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.

Among the notable winners, David Hall, managing director of Beverley Leisure Homes, was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year. His company also secured the Small Business award. Hall began his career as an apprentice cabinetmaker and established his first business at just 22 years old. He now employs 46 staff, including five apprentices, highlighting his commitment to developing local talent. “Being nominated is testament to how well we have all done,” Hall remarked, emphasizing the teamwork that contributed to his success.

The awards also recognized Soanes Poultry for its achievements as Large Business of the Year and for winning the Environmental and Sustainability Award. Ben Lee, managing director at Soanes, attributed the recognition to the hard work of his team. “It means a lot to us,” he said. The company recently undertook significant improvements to its carbon footprint, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

In the same vein, ResQ Ltd was awarded both Best Place to Work and the Innovation Award. Chief Executive Gill Marchbank highlighted their focus on career progression and employee retention. “For us, this award is about how we recruit people and help them be the best they can be,” she stated, noting their unique approach to hiring without traditional CV applications.

The Rising Star Award went to Alex Pollard, senior contracts manager at RMC Digital Print. At just 23, he has advanced rapidly within the company, showcasing the potential of young talent in the region. “I’m ecstatic,” Pollard said, celebrating not only his own achievements but also those of his team.

The Start-Up Business of the Year award was claimed by Mopli Commercial Cleaning, founded by friends Dom Riley and Tom Newell. Their vision for the company, established just 18 months ago, has already begun to bear fruit. “This really is testament to that,” Newell remarked, reflecting their pride in contributing to the Hull and East Yorkshire community.

Fast Forward Vocational Training, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged youth, received the Growth Award. Founder Paul Thompson expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting their expansion from one site in Hull to 35 centres across the UK. “What we have achieved is amazing,” Thompson said, emphasizing their commitment to guiding young people toward meaningful employment.

The evening concluded with the recognition of CatZero as Charity of the Year. Chief Executive Adrian Tallon highlighted their efforts to support vulnerable individuals in the region. “To be named Charity of the Year means the world,” he said, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by the charity sector.

The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a sense of community among local businesses. With principal partners such as Hull City Council and various local organizations, the awards aim to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators in the region. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the commitment to collaboration and excellence remains a cornerstone of Hull and East Yorkshire’s identity.