The cream of Hull city centre’s business community celebrated long into the night as HullBID marked the 10th anniversary of its awards with a glittering presentation dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito thanked main sponsors Prestige Recruitment Ltd and the organisations which sponsored the individual categories.

But Kathryn reserved special praise for the businesses which entered and the audience of more than 320 who created an electrifying atmosphere on the night.

She said: “Once again we were blown away by the number of entries and the standard, as ever, has been

highly competitive.” Kathryn, who this year marks 15 years at the helm of HullBID, delivered an upbeat message about progress

based on partnerships. She highlighted projects which have already brought improvements to the city centre with the regeneration of key sites including Whitefriargate and King William House.

Kathryn also fuelled excitement about forthcoming additions to the cityscape with the £27.4m Hull Maritime project on course for completion next year, and work under way with the development of Albion Square and the transformation of the iconic Europa

House into the Monocle office complex. She also noted that new challenges will always emerge but added the resilience shown in recent years provides plenty of cause for optimism.

She said: “Thousands of people attended our Hull Street Food Nights. Dino Day and Superhero Day packed in the families. Steampunks returned in force and our Trinity Festival Rebooted brought live music into city centre pubs.

“We supported the Princes Quay Santa’s Parade, we invested in Victorian Christmas and a digital Christmas campaign promote that Hull was still open for business despite the disruption with closures of the A63.

“We’ll continue keeping businesses connected, sharing information on behalf of our partners and stakeholders, and ensuring city centre businesses have a voice with HullBID at its core.”

ROLL OF HONOUR

Innovation Award sponsored by Bridge McFarland

Winner: Rubicon Bridge Limited

Shortlisted: Kicks Bar & Grill and Princes Quay Events Space

 

Stylish or Welcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council

Winner: Artisan Flowers

Shortlisted: Lili + Mila’s Empawrium and 19Point4

 

Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by AaGlobal

Winner: SuperbowlUK

Shortlisted: Hannah Hartley of Smart

Temporary Solutions and Mike Glover of St Stephen’s

 

Longevity Award sponsored by Allenby Commercial

Winner: B Cooke & Son Ltd

Shortlisted: Bob Carver's and Rollits LLP

 

Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Clearanswer

Winner: Hull Museums and Gallery

Shortlisted: Pepperells Solicitors and Blacks

Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside

Winner: Hull Freedom Quarter

Shortlisted: Good Things Market and Central Library Big Malarkey Festival

 

Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Bryce Mennell

Winner: 360 Chartered Accountants

Shortlisted: Sadofskys Chartered Accountants and Rollits LLP

 

The Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains

Winner: Milchig

Shortlisted: Stretch Pizza and Koffee Lab

 

The Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s

Winner: Spencer Group

Shortlisted: DoubleTree by Hilton and Hinks Insurance

 

Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Prestige Recruitment

Winner: Hull College

Shortlisted: Ferens Art Gallery and The Deep

 

Judges’ Special Recognition Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses

Winner: Mikey Martins, Freedom Festival Arts Trust