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BID-ing for award success THE SHORTLIST FOR THIS YEAR’S HULL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AWARDS
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he judges have finished their arduous task of choosing between the fantastic nominations received, and the shortlist for this year’s Hull Business Improvement District (BID) awards have finally been announced. The panel of independent judges scoured a bumper crop of entries across all ten categories, with much debate over who truly deserved to be crowned the HullBID champions. With categories including Safe City, Outstanding Employee, Best Business Progression and Marketing Excellence, there are plenty of tight calls to make. Those shortlisted receive complimentary tickets but additional tickets are available for £30 per person by contacting
Lucilla Bathurst in the HullBID office on 01482 611850. The Mail’s Hannah Robinson was joined alongside Kathryn Shillito, Jerome Whittingham and John Netherwood in this year’s judging task. Hannah said: “There was a lot of debating between judges on which nominations truly stood out for them, with some of them arguing for their favoured nominees to be chosen for the shortlist. “It really came down to the wire for the majority of the categories, with so many stand-out and deserving businesses nominated for these prestigious awards. “At times we wanted to break the rules and create multiple winners, but we had to do our jobs as judges and believe we have shortlisted the very best individuals,
businesses and organisations in Hull. “We had nominations from well-known businesses who have been part of the city’s scenery for years, alongside small independents who are working to change the face of our food and shopping experiences. “Charities were put forward for their contributions to the community, restaurants appeared in the bid to win the Commitment to Training and Development Award, and entire shopping centres battled it out to be chosen as the most environmentally friendly. “We also saw lots of nominations from different sectors that were quite unexpected but very welcome. “It took us an entire day to shortlist them all, but it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm from businesses, and from
those who were not related to the businesses but had nominated them. “There were some really passionate descriptions that impressed the judges and really wowed them.” The excitement will now start to build as the shortlisted businesses and people look forward to the HullBID Awards celebration event, which will be held on Friday, April 27, at the Doubletree Hilton in Ferensway. Finalists in each of the categories will be in attendance, with the sponsors of each award handing out trophies to those who are announced as the overall winners. It is the fifth year of the awards, which are organised and funded by HullBID. The three finalists in each category are highlighted in this special supplement.
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Safe City Award
2018
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FINALIST Civic - Hull City Council
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ull City Council Civic 1 CCTV oversee all of the CCTV operations in our city. Their monitoring of the camera systems enables them to keep the public safe from potential incidents, as well as find perpetrators or help victims of crime. One of the incidents they are being nominated for is their work on Christmas Day 2017. Civic operators saw two men in Jameson Street carrying large machetes in their hands, intending to commit robbery in the town centre. The operators immediately led the
police to the location of the men, who were then arrested before they could carry out their crime. Another noted incident was a young woman seen outside Fuel nightclub “acting very strange”, yet it was later realised her drink had been spiked. Operators monitored the woman until she was safely in a taxi, with the footage reviewed the next day by police after the crime was reported. One of the nominations said Hull’s Civic team are the “eye in the sky for the city”, and have prevented any crimes from taking place.
From left, PCSOs Lee Smith and Martin Spencer at Osborne Street Police Station
FINALIST Lee Smith and Martin Spencer, of Humberside Police
FINALIST St Stephen’s Security Team
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t Stephen’s shopping centre employs 16 security staff to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, but it also seems they have gone one step further in their role. Security staff at the Ferensway shopping centre were nominated for the Safe City Award for their efforts to reduce thefts, offer onsite help and even first aid training. One of the nominations said: “The security team are trained how to effectively intervene serious that may require emotional support such as suicide attempts.” Other unique parts of the security role include being sighted guides for blind or partially sighted customers, trained in the use of defibrillators and CPR face masks, and taking part in the Dementia Friends training programme. One of the nominations said: “The programme is the biggest initiative to change people’s perception of dementia, and the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.”
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s well as security teams, two Police Community Support Officers have been shortlisted for the Safe City Award. PCSOs Lee Smith and Martin Spencer work for Humberside Police, and have been described by one nominee as “very proactive” and have “made a great difference to the security of the Prospect Centre”. The pair have been praised on going out of their way to help members of the public, and many of the nominations speak of how friendly they both are. Another nomination said: “They are always on the ball with their job, and will always pop into the business that I run just to make sure everything is OK, as they do with everyone in the city centre. They are very quick to respond if something is happening and police presence is required. Come rain or shine they are always out, very approachable and give great advice and information.”
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2018
Dressed to Impress Award
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FINALIST Furley & Co
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urley & Co has been noted as a “fantastic addition to the region’s social scene”, and was nominated for the Dressed To Impress award after retaining the history of the building. The owners have also improved the outside area of the bar, with one nomination saying: “The owners of Furleys have worked closely with their neighbours to fill the gap in the quayside, sharing the space to set tables and chairs for around 100 people and install high-grade weather protection including toughened glass screens imported from Italy.” The bar, which opened in December 2015, has also been praised for the opening of Spice@Furleys, a first-floor bistro replacing the underused function room, as well as being an affordable venue to eat and drink in the city centre. The nomination said: “The improvements look great and have added to the appeal of an area which is becoming one of the most popular areas of Hull, encouraging more people into the city centre and strengthening its status as a destination for local residents and visitors from out of town.”
FINALIST Lush
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ou will most likely smell it before you see it, but Lush in King Edward Square has been shortlisted in the Dressed To Impress Award category. Part of the nomination said about the cosmetic store: “The gorgeous, bright displays mixed with the cosy feel of the reclaimed Victorian floorboards create a feeling of a store that you can be comfortable in”. The store was praised for its hard work in ensuring it has eye-catching merchandise running throughout, taking inspiration from displays used in greengrocers and chocolatiers. According to the nominations, customers will also be able to find various ingredients, live plants and flowers throughout the displays. The nomination said the store “always has vibrant window displays full of brightly coloured gifts, products and posters, which draw the eye in from King Edward Square and beyond”.
FINALIST Trinity Market
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ull’s Trinity Market has undergone a £3.5m refurbishment funded by Hull City Council and the Humber LEP, transforming the old space into a new street food and market haven. The market has been praised for its new look, with many of the nominations commenting on the quality of the finish. One nomination said: “Each of the market’s three main entrances have received a stunning redevelopment, helping to open the market up and providing improved visibility in order to draw people in. Of particular note is the Markey Place entrance, which has been revitalised with sympathetic rendering, the installation of two arched windows, a full-height glazed arch doorway and a smart new clock incorporating Trinity Market’s new branding.” At the heart of the transformation is the offering of street food, which comprises nine stalls “accommodating an exciting and emerging offer from local, independent businesses”.
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2018 FINALIST 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar
FINALIST Atik
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rom the little things, like going the extra mile to meet some of the specific requirements of customers, to ensuring the safety of diners by topping up training, 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar has made great customer service a key part of its offer. So said one of nominations for this Wellington Street West venue, a locally-owned and operated restaurant, whose website aims to engage with guests even before they book. Accessibility is another key priority, while 1884’s commitment to, and investment in, food safety has been outstanding, all in the name of best customer service.
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onsistently top-notch customer service, week in, week out; catering for every patron’s musical preference and instantly feeling “looked after” by a staff member have all been reasons given for nominating Atik nightclub. One night a manager even took two stranded customers home, who couldn’t get a taxi. The Dagger Lane venue has undergone significant refurbishment and has, according to one nominator, “become the best nightclub in Hull”. Another said: “Easily my favourite venue to visit in the city – on nights out, I usually travel to Leeds as the clubbing experience is a lot better there, but, since Atik opened, I tend to stay in the city a lot more.” High praise indeed.
Outstanding Employee or Team Award
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FINALIST Tim Davis, Games Workshop
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escribed as a man who gives his “heart and soul” to his role, Tim Davis manages Games Workshop Hull, a specialist retailer of miniatures for table-top wargaming. “Tim’s passion for the shop shines through all aspects,” said one nomination. Tim was praised for making the shop look visually appealing and going beyond the call of duty to provide excellent service for customers. Not only that, he was hailed for spending his spare time designing and developing leaflets; for building a local Warhammer Community and for helping to set up school clubs, to provide exciting and educational activities for children.
FINALIST DoubleTree by Hilton
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he team at the DoubleTree by Hilton was lauded for helping build Hull city centre’s new four-star hotel from the ground up. Beginning with just two people, a general manager and a sales and marketing director, it was a case of working with the construction team to get the actual structure under way, then building a team, systems and process, and a whole business under the Hilton brand. A team of more than 100 people had to be recruited and hospitality packages marketed before any phones were even switched on.
FINALIST Central Library Café
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taff of The Venue café, in Hull Central Library, received a number of nominations for their welcoming attitude. One praised the “very friendly” atmosphere, while another thought it was a “nice place with nice people”. The awards judges were told by one nominator that The Venue always provided excellent service. “The staff are always cheerful and friendly and it is a pleasure to dine here,” they said. The café within the Albion Street library is a family-friendly venue, and has also been an advocate of the “pay it forward” scheme, through which customers can buy a drink or food for someone who cannot afford it.
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Customer Service Award championed by the
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FINALIST Flavourz Café
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he staff of Flavourz go “above and beyond”, according to numerous nominations that have come in for this Queens Gardens café. One said: “There is always a very warm and friendly atmosphere and the staff are always ready to help and please customers.” Another said: “The staff are always so accommodating to our students with special educational needs.” Flavourz was described as a “gem in the heart of Hull”, where the “brilliant conversation with friendly staff ” was as much appreciated as the sausage sandwiches. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, who were always smiling and polite, the judges heard.
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FINALIST Poorboy Boutique
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oorboy Boutique reached a fashion milestone late last year when it was invited to the Topshop brand HQ, Arcadia, to present its Remade vintage clothing collection. The meeting with the head buyers was a success, with Poorboy being invited to launch the Remade range at the Topshop outlet within St Stephen’s Shopping Centre. The first vintage items went on sale there in March. The response to the move has been hugely positive, with Poorboy’s media, and social media following growing as a result. The potential for Poorboy to move into the Topman concession is also being explored.
Marketing Excellence Award
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FINALIST Princes Quay
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ooking to reinvigorate Princes Quay Shopping Centre’s offering, management company Realm made the bold decision of turning it into the UK’s first hybrid shopping centre, with outlet and full-price shopping available under one roof, as part of a £20m investment. On the back of a B2B campaign, a marketing initiative setting out the vision for the centre’s future attracted retailers, informed current tenants and tackled prejudices about the prospect of bringing outlet shopping into its confines.
FINALIST Tapasya@Marina
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apasya’s launch of a new à la carte menu at its Beverley High Road restaurant was announced through social media channels and promoted through its website and, in order to maximise awareness, Tapasya held two VIP taster events. One was with invited bloggers, who posted about their experience on Twitter and Instagram; the other with journalists, writers and producers. In conjunction with the new menu, Tapasya also recently welcomed new chef Gajendera Singh to its Beverley High Road and Marina fine-dining restaurants. At each of the taster events, the chef made an appearance to showcase the “man behind the menu”.
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2018
Contribution to the Community Award
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FINALIST Emmaus Hull and East Riding
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escribed as an organisation that “gives a hand up, not a hand out” to homeless people, Emmaus Hull and East Riding’s rough sleeper outreach team was praised for its contribution to the community and safety. “The work that Emmaus does is fantastic for those people who need help in the local community,” said one nomination. “The homeless are provided with the opportunity to get back into work and rebuild their lives, which gives them hope and stability for the future. This helps build the individual’s confidence and makes them value themselves as a person.”
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FINALIST Santander
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antander Hull came in for praise for being “an inspiration to all other Hull businesses”. A nomination for the business said: “When the team found out that our small local animal rescue centre was facing closure, they contacted us immediately to see how they could help. Since then they’ve become a pillar of support to us, raising almost £7,000 in just a few months.” It went on to say: “Santander is passionate about education and have helped us to restock our small library with books.”
FINALIST Tapasya@Marina
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he team at the helm of Tapasya have worked tirelessly to create invaluable connections with the local community to ensure their Hull restaurants meet exacting standards. Towards the end of 2017, Tapasya signed up for Reality Bites, a culinary contest devised by Estuary TV, which supports rising stars from Hull College. The restaurant group also committed to Curry for Change, an initiative that saw £1 donated, every time two particular dishes were sold, to families in rural Asia and Africa suffering poverty and hunger. Since opening, Tapasya has hosted events in aid of causes such as the Smile Foundation.
Best Business Progression Award
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FINALIST Princes Quay
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urning around the fortunes of Hull’s Princes Quay Shopping Centre has been no mean feat. But the owners of Princes Quay took the bold step of launching an outlet level. In the six months after opening, sales had increased threefold, footfall was up 33 per cent and car park usage had increased by 18 per cent. The developments encouraged existing retailers to renew leases, new stores were attracted to the centre and there was a positive impact on the leisure side.
FINALIST Shoot The Bull
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hoot The Bull began as a street food company serving from the back of a truck with just two members of staff. The business has since transformed The Old House, Hull’s oldest domestic building, with a successful food offering provided by a team of 12. Further to that, the Riverhouse Coffee Co. has been developed from an empty unit next door. Recognising a further opportunity, Shoot The Bull took a double unit in the revamped Trinity Market, to use as a prep kitchen as well as a stall to sell more street food. The business now has 30 staff operating across its four strands.
FINALIST Stuf
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he “unbelievable” achievement of one of Hull’s smallest shops, to become one of the biggest now trading in the city’s South Street, was brought to the attention of the awards judges. “Stuf gives fantastic service,” said one nomination, “and it is one of the busiest shops in South Street.” Another talked about the expanded range and staff who offered friendly service. One nomination praised the disabled access and “more room to browse” since the move to larger premises.
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2018
Commitment to Training and Development Award
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FINALIST 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar
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hortlisted for its commitment to training and development 1884 Wine & Tapas Bar is also known for its dedication to young chefs. It is no secret that Hull is lacking in upcoming, young chefs, with many of them choosing to work in other cities around the country, so to see a business looking to retain local talent is a good sign. Especially a restaurant with a reputation for quality and high-end service. The nomination for the restaurant said: “The restaurant’s head chef visited East Riding College to meet staff and students, and look at the work going on in the training kitchen. “They offered support and guidance and invited students to visit the restaurant, giving catering students and even music students the opportunity to experience service alongside a Reyta award-winning team.” As a further testament to the training the restaurant manager has also adopted a level 4 course in food safety, customer service and auditing, “to ensure customers receive the best service possible”.
FINALIST The Admiral of the Humber
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he Admiral of the Humber has recently undergone a large refurbishment, with the introduction of one of the few Wetherspoon hotels in the country. According to the nomination, Wetherspoon staff are known as associates, with each one given the opportunity to progress either behind the bar, in the kitchen, front of house, in the hotel or as maintenance. The nomination said: “Once employed, each employee receives regular one-to-one training meetings as well as appraisals every six months, where they have the chance to speak about any issues they may be having.” The firm also offers alternative training paths such as apprenticeships from an under-18s course, level 2 and level 3. All of these courses give staff the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification, while allowing them to gain valuable skills such as team building, hospitality skills, communication and cash handling.
FINALIST Emmaus Hull and East Riding
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he ethos of Emmaus Hull and East Riding is to not only provide a safe space for the homeless community, but also to ensure they gather the right skills to prevent the cyclical nature of being on the streets. They “give a hand up and not a hand out” to people who are homeless by providing a bed, and through their enterprising ideas a reason to get out of it. One nomination said: “The charity is unique as the people who provide excellent customer service in its shops are the people who are assisted through the organisation’s charitable work. They recycle and upcycle everyday items, which people throw away, reducing waste and bringing added value to products for re-sale. Emmaus is also committed to providing training for its residents to enable them to progress into employment and maintain their own home.” The Lockwood Street superstore is a key example of assisted people learning the skills of money-handling, customer service, running a business and upcycling.
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2018
Environmentally Friendly and Development
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FINALIST Lush
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ll Lush customers will understand the brand’s ethos of standing against animal testing and using natural products. The Hull store, it appears, is working hard on other environmental factors, such as shop floor furniture, traceable ingredients and fighting for a self-preserving range. The nomination said: “The shelving and cupboards in store are made from reclaimed Victorian floorboards, the ingredients used are all traceable and ethically sources, and we have never used any micro-beads as exfoliants – instead preferring to use natural scrubs such as sea
salt, sugar and ground almonds.” The store runs a closed-loop recycling scheme within the company, and for every five black or clear pots a customer brings back into store after using their products, they receive a
fresh face mask free of charge. The firm uses knot-wraps instead of gift-wrap, with products packaged in biodegradable plant cellulose and ecoflo packing peanuts made from potato starch.
FINALIST St Stephen’s
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nomination says St Stephen’s shopping centre has reduced water usage by 75 per cent, reduced energy consumption by 62 per cent, diverted more than 2,537 tonnes of waste from landfill and saved more than 745 tonnes of CO2 emissions, 35 million litres of water and almost £186,700 on energy, water and waste costs. The nomination said: “At the start on 2016, we became the largest shopping centre in the region to install 1,110 solar panels on the centre’s roof, to supply 35 per cent of our overall energy demand. “We have purchased “bin lift” equipment to reduce the
FINALIST The Deep
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he Deep is known for its conservation work with marine animals and mammals, but it has been shortlisted for this award due to its work with a very topical issue – plastic. One nomination said: “Since opening in 2002, The Deep has committed itself to protecting the world’s oceans and, in recent years, this commitment has grown to a new level.” The aquarium has pledged its commitment to the #OneLess campaign, an initiative to reduce the number of single use plastic bottles entering our water ways. The nomination said: “The Deep has joined 93
other aquariums across Europe to raise the profile of the issue of marine litter, using displays filled with rubbish collected from a local beach to deliver the hard-hitting message. The Deep has also taken further
steps to eradicate single use from the aquarium, use recycled oils in its café and restaurant, installed solar panels, sell eco-products in its store and have guidebooks produced on recycled paper.”
glass waste collections from four to just one per month, and make use of anaerobic recycling – we can now divert about 7.3 tonnes of waste food per month, which is producing 1674 Kw hours
and saving 2.85 tonnes of CO2.” The centre is now using 80 per cent less water than in 2009, and has moved to 60 per cent recycling and 40 per cent to incineration for energy.