The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards celebrated their 25th anniversary with a remarkable ceremony highlighting the achievements of local businesses. Held on the evening of March 15, 2025, the event honored winners from various sectors including logistics, leisure homes, and food production, all of which play pivotal roles in the region’s economy.
A significant moment of the evening came when Peter Brown, the third-generation leader of Neill & Brown, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. With an impressive 60 years at the helm of the family business, Brown’s dedication to his local community resonated with the audience of 500 attendees. He expressed his commitment to not only maintaining the business but also expanding it to create more jobs in Hull and the surrounding areas. “This means so much,” he stated. “Our business started in 1917, and I don’t want to sell it; I want to employ more people and keep it going. It is a legacy.”
Under the stewardship of Simon Jones and Jane Smallwood, the awards continue to symbolize the region’s vibrant business community. Television presenter Gethin Jones hosted the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which began with a lively performance by local indie artist Fiona-Lee.
Celebrating Local Entrepreneurs
The awards recognized outstanding contributions from various local entrepreneurs. David Hall, managing director of Beverley Leisure Homes, was named Entrepreneur of the Year and also secured the Small Business category award. Hall, who began his career as an apprentice cabinetmaker at 16, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collective achievement of his team. “Being nominated is testament to how well we have all done,” he remarked.
The evening also saw Soanes Poultry honored for Large Business of the Year, marking their second win in this category. They also received the Environmental and Sustainability Award for their initiatives aimed at improving their carbon footprint. Ben Lee, managing director, highlighted the importance of teamwork in their success, stating, “It is great to have the recognition for all the hard work the team put in.”
ResQ, a prominent contact center, was recognized as the Best Place to Work and also won the Innovation Award. Gill Marchbank, chief executive, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This award is about the career progression we offer; how we recruit people, how we train them and help make them be the best they can be.”
A Spotlight on New Talent and Community Impact
The ceremony also celebrated new entrants to the business community. Alex Pollard, senior contracts manager at RMC Digital Print, was named Rising Star. Pollard joined the firm as a business administration apprentice and expressed his excitement over the recognition, stating, “It shows a lot of achievement over the last five years, not only for myself but for the company as well.”
The Start-Up category award went to founding directors Dom Riley and Tom Newell of Mopli Commercial Cleaning. Their vision for a business they could be proud of has resonated within the local community.
In the realm of education and support, Fast Forward Vocational Training received the Growth Award for its impressive expansion since its inception in 2018. Paul Thompson, who founded the organization with his children, noted, “We have gone from one site to operating across 35 centres, giving everything to the students and team building.”
Additionally, CatZero was awarded Charity of the Year for its dedication to supporting individuals in Hull and East Yorkshire. Chief executive Adrian Tallon acknowledged the hard work of the delivery team, stating, “To be named Charity of the Year means the world, especially in such a competitive category.”
The education team at The Deep was recognized as Team of the Year, with Jenny Thomas, a teacher at the iconic tourist attraction, celebrating their close-knit collaboration and shared success.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards continue to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement, celebrating the hard work and dedication of local businesses. The event was supported by several partners including Bondholders, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Hull City Council, showcasing a collective commitment to the growth and prosperity of the region.
As the awards highlighted the achievements of the past year, they set a positive tone for the future of business in Hull and East Yorkshire, emphasizing the importance of community, innovation, and sustainability in driving economic success.
