KCOM supports Neighbourhood Network Hull Awards
The Neighbourhood Network Hull awards evening was held recently with volunteers and groups from across the city being honoured for their work in the community.
The HullBID Awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of businesses and individuals in Hull City Centre.
HullBID promotes and helps businesses to sustainably grow and progress by working closely with them and organising city centre events, such as Hull Street Food Nights and Yum! Food Festival.
At the end of April, the HullBID Awards celebrate the brilliant independent businesses we have in the city and the individuals behind them.
We spoke with HullBID City Centre Manager, Kathryn Shillito, to find out more.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the HullBID Awards?
It’s about giving reward and recognition to businesses, organisations and individuals in Hull. We have ten categories, which cover many types of achievement. We kept them quite general as we have so many different sectors in the BID area.
The awards are for businesses and organisations in Hull City Centre to enter. It’s the fifth year that we’ve done this now. Each year we get more and more nominations coming in. To accommodate more interest, we’ve moved the ceremony to the Doubletree by Hilton on Ferensway.
This year we’ve received hundreds of nominations and we’re very much looking forward to the dinner on Friday 27 April.
What sort of categories can we expect to see?
We have two new categories this year. One of them was the Environmentally Friendly Award. We recognise that a lot of businesses and organisations are very conscious about the environment and have implemented really great practices to ensure that they stay green.
The second one is the Best Business Progression. This is to identify the venture that has really increased its business profile and presence in the city centre over the past year.
There are some excellent independents in Hull that are well-deserving winners of the categories. It’s great to see the growth happening in Hull.
How are the winners picked?
Nominations have now closed and the awards are judged by a panel of independent experts drawn from all different sectors. For example, we have someone who works with charities, the Chairman of the Civic Society and a journalist, too. It’s people who have some knowledge of the city centre but are also detached from it so that they can judge fairly.
What does it mean for businesses who win a HullBID Award?
Well, it’s mainly about recognition. We’re partnered with the Hull Daily Mail, so they can get some press coverage, publicity and a picture in the local paper.
A lot of businesses like to display their trophies and certificates in their reception or behind a till area. I think the awards carry a lot of kudos in the city so it’s just great to have acquired one.
Why should people come along to the HullBID Awards?
Even if you’ve not been shortlisted, it’s a great event to attend. We have a lovely dinner on offer, followed by a comedian; it’s a good night out and a fantastic way to connect with other business owners. We want to make it an exciting atmosphere for the nominees.
Tickets for the HullBID Awards are £25 plus VAT and can be purchased by calling 01482 611802.