HullBID signals start of the search to find the best in the business with annual awards
Kathryn Shillito speaking at the HullBID Awards 2024.
THE HullBID Awards 2025 are open to all members of the BID – Hull Business Improvement District – with applications expected to flood in from the launch date of Monday December 2.
Entries will then be accepted online, and additionally as hard copies until the deadline of 5pm on Monday January 20, with the excitement already mounting ahead of a glittering celebration night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Friday February 21. The hotel will also host the after-party at The Lexington Rooftop Bar.
HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from sponsors and we’re expecting the same in the coming weeks from business owners and managers all eager to showcase their successful achievements and hopefully get their hands on a trophy.
“The wide variety of categories ensures there will once again be opportunities across all sectors, and we’re expecting another round of fierce but friendly competition with businesses cheering themselves and their neighbours.”
Acclaimed presenters Darren Lethem and Fiona Dwyer will host the gala presentation dinner with more than 330 guests and the sponsors will be invited onto the stage to present awards to the winners of 11 categories.
Nominations will be accepted in 10 categories, all of which are listed below and there will also be a Judges Special Recognition Award. The shortlist for the finals will be announced during week commencing Monday 27 January and will receive four complimentary tickets to the event, complete with a three-course meal. Additional tickets are available for purchase at £48 + VAT.
The headline sponsor of the awards is KFM Recruitment Ltd, which has had plenty to celebrate this year with two significant milestones and a major new investment. Brothers Robert and Anthony Jackson marked the 30th anniversary of the recruitment business, which is based in Silver Street, and also clocked up 20 years of operating bars in Trinity House Lane, with the Drum & Cymbals opening in September as the latest venture.
Robert said: “We have a lot of respect for HullBID and the city centre they are creating and we see this as a good way to put something back in and support their work.
“By sponsoring the awards we are also promoting our fellow city centre businesses. We have had a busy and successful year ourselves with KFM marking its 30th anniversary and with the opening of the Drum & Cymbals, effectively two new bars, one of which had been closed since 2008.
“It’s 20 years since we opened our first bar in Trinity House Lane and we are still investing. We work with other local businesses, local suppliers and the community, regenerating buildings and creating jobs. We now employ about 40 people across our businesses.
“That’s what the HullBID Awards are about. They reflect the positivity and entrepreneurship in the city centre where local people and local businesses are making things happen. It’s also a great night out!”
The event programme is sponsored by the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, the entertainment is sponsored by the Prospect Centre, the welcome drinks are sponsored by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and the design services are sponsored by Bryce Mennell.
Kathryn added: “We are grateful to all the sponsors who have stepped up to give our BID member businesses a chance to celebrate another year of innovation, enterprise and sheer hard work.
“Now it’s down to the businesses themselves. We know there are some fantastic organisations out there doing amazing things every day and we want them to use the HullBID Awards as the platform to shout about it!”
Entry is free and businesses can enter as many categories as they like provided they complete a separate form for each one. You can enter online by visiting the Hull BID events website at https://hullbidevents.co.uk/bidawards
Alternatively you can request a hard copy of the application form by contacting HullBID Operations and Support Officer Raich Orr on 07595 820121, email Raich@hullbid.co.uk
Nominations are invited for the following awards categories:
Innovation Award sponsored by AaGlobal Language Services.
Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s.
Longevity Award sponsored by Allenby Commercial.
Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Police & Crime Commissioner.
Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains.
Most Stylish/Welcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council.
Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Fig Flex.
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Segal’s Jewellers.
Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by Grosvenor Casino.
Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by KFM Recruitment.
