Wendy
3/5/2026 12:19:56 PM
4 mins read
A city centre business community joined forces with political leaders to celebrate another year of entrepreneurial success, look forward to the fruition of major investment in heritage and transport projects, and declare Hull open for business.
Jim Harris, chair of Hull Business Improvement District (HullBID), told guests at the organisation’s annual awards, that city centre businesses had recorded their best year since before Covid.
He added that 2026 promises to be transformational with completion of a six-year road improvement project in the city centre and the opening of multi-million pound heritage attractions as part of the Maritime Hull project.
Coun Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, and Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy were united in praise for city centre businesses, highlighting the variety and quality on offer and underlining their importance to the regional economy.
Two brothers who own a group of businesses operating in recruitment and hospitality told of the importance of HullBID in developing and supporting an environment which promotes enterprise.
Robert and Anthony Jackson have been operating in recruitment in Hull city centre for more than 30 years and own KFM Recruitment – headline sponsors for the awards – and KFM Group. They also own Maytree, which operates four bars in the Old Town of Hull.
Robert said: “We feel very passionate about HullBID as our businesses are all in the city centre. We’ve watched the city progress from being slated ss the worst place to live in the UK nearly 25 years ago to the present day – listed by National Geographic as one of the top 25 places to visit in the world this year.
“HullBID has been around for 20 years now and you can’t say it hasn’t contributed to bringing about that transformation.
“We have smiles on our faces. People are winning awards tonight because they are making a difference. They are celebrating what HullBID have done, and what they have done as businesses.
“Success like that doesn’t just walk through the door. You have to make things happen and that’s what HullBID has been doing for 20 years – pulling the city and the small businesses together to make things happen.”
The annual awards attracted applications from nearly 300 businesses and the wide range of categories ensured huge variety, with new and old, large and small concerns competing for recognition in food and drink, customer service, longevity, contribution to the community and more.
An audience of more than 300 people from the city centre business community generated an electric atmosphere and drew confidence from the string of success stories.
Emma Hardy said: “The awards are a great opportunity to learn about the fantastic businesses we have around the city. You find out about the retail businesses and the many others that you might not see directly on your high street – what they are offering and what they are bringing to the city.”
Mike Ross added: “People have turned out tonight to celebrate local business success and it’s really important for the city that we do that. We want to see businesses grow in the city and events like this are a real reminder of all the good things happening to the economy here in Hull and the tenacity of the local entrepreneurs.
“We have some wonderful businesses here in Hull and they are making a real difference to the local economy, employing local people and providing services and offers that local people can make use of.”
Jim Harris charted the progress of the HullBID awards since they were launched in 2014 with an audience of about 80 people in the studio at Hull Truck Theatre. He also delivered an upbeat message for 2026 and beyond.
He said: “The awards celebrate what’s fantastic about our city centre – the businesses, the people and the atmosphere which is completely unique.
“This is the best year we have had certainly since Covid and the next big highlight for all of us will be the completion of the A63 roadworks. It’s massive for the city and we will all feel the benefit of that and of the Maritime Hull attractions opening this year.
“Investment like this coming to fruition is great for any city and we can say to people come to Hull and, in addition to great hospitality and great shops, you can enjoy great museums, gardens and public space.
“We genuinely are now a port city, a maritime city, an exciting city and a tourist city and – most importantly – these developments show we are open for business!”
HULLBID AWARDS ROLL OF HONOUR
Innovation Award sponsored by AaGlobal Language Services
Winner: Federation of Sport.
Finalists: Artisan Flowers, and Hull College and HEY! Volunteering.
The Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s
Winner: Wilkin Chapman Rollits.
Finalists: Holiday Inn Express (Foremost Hotels) and Hudgell Solicitors.
Longevity Award sponsored by Hays Travel.
Winner: The Lantern Restaurant.
Finalists: Gough & Davy and Leonard Silver.
Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside
Winner: Hull 4 Heroes.
Finalists: Hull Truck Theatre and Wescot Credit Services.
The Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains
Winner: Swine & Soul.
Finalists: Food for Cowboys and Hearth Restaurant and Bakery.
Stylish or Welcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council
Winner: Calla.
Finalists: Andrew Earles Holidays and The Focus Group.
Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by HSBC.
Winner: Hull Schools Library Service.
Finalists: B Cooke & Son Ltd and Wescot Credit Services.
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Segal’s Jewellers
Winner: Pagabo Group.
Finalists: C4DI, and Eric Davies of St Stephen’s Shopping Centre.
Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses
Winner: Ben Beal of Segal’s Jewellers.
Finalists: Deborah Millar of Hull College, and F R Scott Ltd.
Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by KFM Recruitment
Winner: ResQ.
Finalists: Eclectic Music and the Ferens Art Gallery.
Judges’ Special Recognition Award
Winner: Shaun Casson, Anti-social Behaviour Officer for Hull City Council.
