FEO to headline partner Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards as kindred spirits unite

Leading entrepreneurial support organisation FEO has joined forces with Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards. 

It will become headline partner to the business calendar highlight, bringing together two entities that live and breathe the same inspirational ethos.

The Queen’s Award-winning community interest company was founded by several winners of the event’s prestigious lifetime achievement award, and they now bring their backing to it – with the celebration taken on in spectacular fashion by talent entrepreneur Simon Jones 12 months ago. 

Chief executive Jan Brumby has also served as a judge for several years, both in its former guise as part of the Hull Live / Hull Daily Mail event portfolio and in the new era.

Of the partnership, she said: “The event has always been one of the focal points of the business calendar in the area. I have always been impressed by the innovation and the calibre of the businesses – from start-up to large – in this area.

“Last year felt like a fresh start, and it makes it an even more exciting time to get involved. It was the dawn of a new era, with entries from businesses we hadn’t seen before. It seems to have inspired and motivated more to get involved. 

“It is a great match for us because our mantra is to help businesses start, adapt and grow. It’s important to celebrate success and achievement, especially at such a challenging time for businesses, and our members and key partners want to give back and help our business community thrive.” 

FEO (For Entrepreneurs Only) launched almost 15 years ago, with the royal accolade for its voluntary service presented as it marked a decade of operations. More than 200 members collectively turn over more than £7 billion and employ 27,000 people in the Hull and East Yorkshire area. 

Mr Jones said: “As an FEO member I understand the value it provides and the role it has in the community. If you were to think about who you would ideally want to partner with it is a small group, and FEO really fits well. It embraces what we are trying to do, our ambition to grow entrepreneurship – there are so many shared values.

“It is our job now to keep raising the bar and showing the business community the very best of itself.”

The event will take place on November 20, with full details to be released when nominations open next month. Last year’s relaunch, which saw the professional event services provided by Jane Smallwood retained, brought wider involvement. - saw the awards widen its impact. Face-to-face interviews became part of the judging process, with ongoing support packages developed for winners, taking it beyond the sparkling ceremony. 

Businesses and organisations interested in partnering with Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards for the 2025 event should email jane@heybusinessawards.co.uk

For further information visit www.heybusinessawards.co.uk