Livewire line-up will get the party started at HullBID Awards

BBC Radio Humberside reporter Amanda White and presenter Phil White at the 2020 HullBID Awards.

HULL CITY CENTRE businesses will be the stars of the show when HullBID presents its 2022 awards next month, with top quality entertainment from local favourites including a HullBID retailer which first opened its doors more than 160 years ago.

Two Pianos will perform their repertoire of rock ’n’ roll classics live on stage for guests at the dinner and awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Friday 25 February.

BBC Radio Humberside reporter Amanda White and presenter Phil White will again bring their professional polish to the hosting duties and set a livewire tone from the start for what promises to be another fun and celebratory evening, with 11 awards up for grabs.

The general public and businesses themselves have until Monday 24 January to submit their entries, and all shortlisted candidates will receive four free places at the celebration night, with extra tickets also on sale.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, said: “The awards will focus on city centre businesses getting back to what they do best.

“It’s been a very difficult two years but we found that sponsors were eager to get involved, with HSBC UK first off the mark as headline sponsor. We’re delighted that such a huge global brand has recognised the significance of the awards, and we’re very grateful to them and to other sponsors.

“We’re also getting fantastic support from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which is one of the stars of our hospitality sector.  We really appreciate them pulling out all the stops to provide a memorable night in their magnificent  ballroom, and we’re hoping for a big turnout to show that the city centre is back in business.”

Two Pianos was formed in 2013 by Al Kilvington, the owner-manager of Gough & Davy, and award-winning pianist and composer David Barton. Between them they have garnered rave reviews from the media and from fellow performers including Jamie Cullum and Jerry Lee Lewis’s band

The duo have slotted the HullBID Awards date into a mini-tour which kicks off at Hull New Theatre on Saturday 15 January.

Kathryn added: “Two Pianos will provide sensational entertainment in a laid-back setting which is different from the theatres and halls on the rest of the tour. Al and David are playing to full houses across the country and Al has always been a big supporter of HullBID through Gough & Davy, which dates back to 1860.

“Amanda and Phil will bring bags of personality to the occasion as they did last time, but the spotlight throughout will be on the businesses and we’re really looking forward to helping them celebrate.”

The 11 categories for the 2022 Hull BID Awards are:

Safe City Award sponsored by Hull & East Yorkshire Credit Union

Dressed to Impress Award sponsored by AA Global Language Services

Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses

Innovative Marketing Award, sponsored by 360 Chartered Accountants

Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by Kingston Recruitment

Judges Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Allenby Commercial

Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Hammonds of Hull

Best Business Progression Award, sponsored by St Stephen’s Shopping Centre

Commitment to Training and Development Award, sponsored by Pepperells Solicitors

The Best in Food and Drink Award, sponsored by Hull Trains

Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by HSBC

Applications can be submitted in all categories except the Judges Special Recognition. The judges – John Netherwood of Hull Heritage, Sarah Shepherdson from HEY Smile Foundation and Craig Simpson of the Chamber Acorn Fund – will reveal the shortlist at the end of this month.

Hard copies of the application form are available from the BID support officers and downloadable from www.hullbid.co.uk. You can also apply online at www.hullbidawards.co.uk

All shortlisted businesses will receive four free tickets to the event and extra tickets can be bought at cost for £40 plus VAT by contacting francesca@hullbid.co.uk