HullBID Awards showcase city centre success stories

Kathryn Shillito (front, third left) pictured with HullBID Awards winners.

CROUPIERS played their cards right, shoe companies shone and a cake crafter came up with the recipe for success as the HullBID Awards brought together the best of a varied city centre business community.

The fourth edition of the hugely popular awards attracted a full house of sponsors, judges and contestants to the Royal Hotel Hull, as well as lively supporters who made it another evening to remember.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said the judges had to cope with a record number of entries and make tough decisions because of the ever-improving standards.

She said: “This year’s nominations were outstanding and have surpassed previous years. The judging panel is independent and chosen for their extensive knowledge of Hull city centre – and I know they had a tough job selecting the winners.

“But the HullBID Awards night is a celebration, an opportunity to recognise and reward all our city centre businesses. You are all winners tonight – congratulations on being finalists in 2017!!

Kathryn thanked the Hull Daily Mail for its support as official media partner, and sponsors St Stephens, Prospect Centre, Kingston Recruitment, Radphone, Bronx, Pride Hair & Beauty Academy, 360 Chartered Accountants, Princes Quay and The Royal Hotel.

She said: “HullBID relies on this financial support to host such a brilliant night. We’re still the same small team with a tall order to look after a very big business improvement district! There are 275 BIDs in the UK with HullBID viewed as a shining example of good practice. We’re flattered that developing BIDs often consult with us.”

Kathryn also outlined the expanding range of HullBID activities, including the first of six Hull Street Food Nights which attracted a crowd estimated at 13,000 into the city centre. She displayed the Style File “bible of fashion and beauty” which has been published by HullBID and she urged the audience to watch out for the HullBID mobile phone app which will guide residents and visitors to events and businesses in the city centre – including the Yum! Food Festival on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 August.

She said: “We’re excited by all the new developments taking shape. St Stephens is brimming with new, activity-based units. Humber Street is fast becoming the go-to place for food, drink and culture. The new Double-Tree by Hilton Hotel and the conference and music venue are beginning to dominate the skyline.

“Princes Quay’s designer outlet is taking shape ready for a summer opening and the city has seen an upturn in niche businesses taking empty units.”

Neil Hodgkinson, Editor-in-Chief of the Mail, said: “For the fourth year this event celebrates all that is great in our city’s day and night-time economies, and everyone here should already feel proud.

“A new dawn is opening up for all of us. It may not be an easy transition but, as always, good people will do good things and I am confident that in this area we have lots of not only good but great people

“As a member of the original board when City of Culture was a mere pipe-dream, I can honestly say it has started off better than I thought it would. Let’s hope the remaining months bring more people, more customers and more money into the city and that its regeneration continues long after 2017 is over. Legacy will be the key measurement to how successful the City of Culture year has been.”

HullBID Awards roll of honour

• Safe City Award, sponsored by Radphone Ltd. Winner – Civic 1, Hull City Council. Shortlisted – St Stephen’s Security Team and Wilberforce Pharmacy.

• Special Bravery Award – Ebrima Touray, St Stephen’s Security Team.
• Dressed to Impress Award, sponsored by The Royal Hotel Hull. Winner – Poorboy Boutique. Shortlisted – Hares & Graces and Kaspa’s Desserts.
• Outstanding Employee or Team Award, sponsored by Prospect Shopping Centre. Winner – Tim Davis, Games Workshop. Shortlisted – Housekeeping team at Holiday Inn Express and St Stephen’s Security Team.
• Service with a Smile Award, championed by the Hull Daily Mail. Winner – Timpson Shoe Repairs. Shortlisted – Hair@Quayside and Oscars Bar.
• Community Spirit Award sponsored by Princes Quay Shopping Centre. Winner – Gosschalks Solicitors. Shortlisted – APCOA Parking and Jonathan Wright of Eurovia.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit, sponsored by Bronx. Winner – Judy Newlove of Sugar ’n’ Spice. Shortlisted – Hares & Graces and Tapasya@Marina.
• Commitment to Training and Development Award, sponsored by Pride Hair & Beauty Academy. Winner – Grosvenor Casino. Shortlisted – Pride Hair & Beauty Academy and Salon Apprentice.
• Innovative Marketing Campaign Award, sponsored by 360 Chartered Accountants. Winner – Dr Martens. Shortlisted – Princes Quay Shopping Centre and Tapasya@Marina
• Alive After Five Award, sponsored by St Stephen’s. Winner – Superbowl UK Hull. Shortlisted – McCoys and The Sugar Mill.
• Lifetime Contribution Award. Winner – Eric Silver of Leonard Silver Menswear.