KCOM-backed awards seek to celebrate region’s business champions

In a year that has been one of the most challenging ever for Hull and East Yorkshire’s businesses it’s time to celebrate the very best the region has to offer.

The Hull Daily Mail / Hull Live Business Awards have launched for 2020 and are looking to recognise  the area’s business champions – both large and small – that have overcome and thrived despite the challenges posed by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Once again, KCOM is proud to be supporting the awards and is sponsoring the Lifetime Contribution Award. 

A total of 15 awards will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hull city centre on Thursday, 19 November, which will be hosted for the second consecutive year by BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.

The event will also feature a keynote speech from Jo Farley, the founder of chocolate firm Green & Blacks.

Neil Hodgkinson, Reach Plc’s editor-in-chief for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “2020 will emerge, no doubt, as a year where the kudos comes from the ability to survive as much for outstanding business acumen. For many, it has been not so much a case of 'can we move forward' but can we keep going. Many others have adapted superbly and it is these tales of battling against the odds that we will hear.

“What is so important, is that we don’t hide all the good work that has gone into this great city and the region beyond.

“Awards are as much about inspiring others as they are acknowledging a job done well. They lift employee morale, boost supplier spirits and claim customer congratulations too.

“They build profile, add prestige and also open the door to one of the best parties in town. And more than ever, we need to support, recognise and celebrate the brilliance shown by the companies and individuals who have kept the economy going – something that benefits every community in our region.”

With a focus on food, ports, logistics and energy, Hull and the East Riding have been awash with key workers, keeping the lights on, shelves stacked and country moving, during the pandemic. This year  award organisers are looking forward to hearing the stories behind many of this year’s business success stories and how many companies have overcome the odds to keep going.

There are 14 categories open for nomination including awards for innovations and technology, training and development, environmental sustainability, customer focus, start-up business, and entrepreneur and apprentice of the year. Entries will be accepted until Friday, September 18, with finalists announced in October.