The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are set to deliver much more than prestigious trophies this year. Tailored prize packages have been introduced, aiming to provide winners with significant support from key regional organisations.
Organisers Simon Jones and Jane Smallwood have collaborated with esteemed partners such as the University of Hull, For Entrepreneurs Only, Wilkin Chapman, and Fred Marketing. These efforts strive to ensure the continuous success of the winning companies and their leaders.
Enhanced Support Through Collaboration
For the first time in the awards’ history, winners will receive customised support packages designed to help them excel even further. The organisers have secured substantial backing, worth tens of thousands of pounds, to deliver crucial aid. The University of Hull, For Entrepreneurs Only, leading regional law firm Wilkin Chapman, and marketing consultancy Fred are among the early supporters.
Simon Jones, who has built his reputation through successful initiatives like Top 30 Under 30, expressed his vision: “The actual celebration event is a calendar highlight and will rightly remain so. I always felt there was more that could be done, that there was an opportunity to really help shape further success, and with a strong line-up of partners, that is exactly what we’re aiming to do.”
University of Hull’s Commitment
The University of Hull is offering extensive professional development, management coaching, innovation support, resources, and event space to the award winners. Emma Calverley, director of Knowledge Exchange, stated: “The University of Hull has been a long-term supporter of the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards and the opportunity to enhance this in a new era for the event is something we really welcome.”
She elaborated, “Alongside our fantastic offering to students is an incredible range of business programmes, tailored to those looking to improve all elements of a company’s performance as well as individual skill sets. This opportunity to showcase what is here in Hull, for the benefit of Hull, is a perfect fit for our ethos.”
For Entrepreneurs Only Network Benefits
Winning businesses will also gain full access to the For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO) network. This support organisation runs events and peer-led programmes aimed at aiding both business and individual development. CEO Jan Brumby highlighted, “What FEO is all about, our strapline in fact, is helping businesses to start, adapt, and grow. Quite simply, the more private businesses set up and expand, the more the local economy will benefit from that.”
Our members have so much to offer, they’ve been through the challenges, the highs and the lows that being in business brings, and we’re delighted to embrace the successful individuals emerging from these re-energised awards and welcome them into our network.”
Legal and Marketing Expertise
James Marsden, partner at Wilkin Chapman and head of the firm’s Beverley office, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re delighted to be in a position to help ensure a legacy emerges from this excellent event. As a law firm with a strong presence in the region, representing private and commercial clients, we really see the value in nurturing further success.”
Fred Marketing will provide consultations for winning businesses, aiding them in various categories. Emma Pearson-Kendall, managing director of Fred, remarked: “Having been involved in the launch of a new chapter for these fantastic awards, we’re thrilled to now play a part in the wider development of the winners, bringing expertise from our work with businesses of all sizes and in many sectors.”
Remaining Time for Entries
Entries for the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are still open, with the gala dinner scheduled for November 21 at Hull’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The event will be hosted by city-born actor Debra Stephenson.
The deadline for entries is set for September 29, with a total of twelve categories to choose from. These include Outstanding Contribution / Lifetime Achievement Award, Start-Up Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year. For full details, visit the event’s new website.
Supporting Partners
Connexin is confirmed as the headline partner for the awards. Additional support comes from Bondholders, C3 Group, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, GW Power-Safe, Horncastle Group, Hull City Council, MKM, Sewell Group, University of Hull, and Wilkin Chapman.
The principal media partner for the event is Reach Plc. The awards bring together a wealth of regional talent and aim to recognise and further cultivate business excellence in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Award Categories
This year’s categories encompass a wide range of recognitions, including Best Place to Work, Environmental & Sustainability Award, Charity of the Year, Innovation Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, Team of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Growth Award, and Rising Star.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards of 2024 promise to be a transformative event for its winners, offering not just recognition but substantial support from leading regional entities.
With the backing of prestigious organisations and a strong commitment to fostering business growth, the future looks promising for the award recipients and the regional economy alike.
