THE BEST OF THE REGION’S BUSINESSES GATHER FOR GLITTERING AWARD NIGHT The Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 honoured the people and companies driving the local economy, writes Henry Saker-Clark
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his year has been an unforgettable one for everyone in Hull and the East Riding and the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 provided a chance to reflect on doing business in the region. While for the 18 winners of this year’s Hull Daily Mail Business Awards it was definitely a night to remember, for the rest of the audience at the glittering occasion it was also an opportunity to hear a wealth of inspiring stories about people and companies across the region. The tone for the awards, which took place at the KCOM stadium’s Kingston Suite, was set by an esteemed keynote speaker from the other side of the Pennines. Dave Fishwick, the larger-than-life businessman and star of the BAFTA award-winning Bank of Dave, told the array of guests about how he stood up to “bullies” and took on the UK’s biggest banks, changing the law in the process. “If there are three messages to take away from tonight, I want it be this. One, never lose money. Two, never give up. And most importantly, number three, never ever give up,” he said. He described how he never ever gave up on his dreams to create his own business, going from selling one van to creating the
UK’s biggest minibus supplier, becoming a multi-millionaire in the process. Still recognising his humble roots, the entrepreneur, who is now also a Sunday Times best-selling author, hoped to inspire young businesspeople in the room to never give up on their ambitions. The event, held last Thursday evening before an audience of more than 400 people, was hosted by journalist and TV presenter Helen Fospero and attended by the competition’s judges and representatives of its numerous sponsors. Ms Fospero introduced the esteemed representatives to reveal the award winners as she hosted the evening for a sixth year. She said: “It's very exciting to be back
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If there are three messages to take away from tonight, I want it be this. One, never lose money. Two, never give up. And number three, never ever give up Dave Fishwick
INSPIRING: Dave Fishwick and, below, Helen Fospero addressed the crowd of more than 400 people. Picture: Richard Addison
for the sixth year to host these prestigious awards and help celebrate the very best of business in Hull and the East Riding. Of course, these awards seek to celebrate businesses of all sizes from a wide variety of industries. “But they also aim to recognise individual effort. Judges were looking for real local talent, including young achievers in their chosen professions and the entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of all industry. “This evening is all about showcasing achievements, and there’s a lot to celebrate over what has been a historic year for the city. This year, the spotlight has been well and truly focused on the achievements of people in Hull and East Yorkshire so I'm absolutely delighted to be your host and share in all your successes.” Alongside 15 categories for a variety of businesses and individuals, there was also a winner announced for this year’s Lifetime Contribution award for their commitment to business and community in the region. As well as annual awards, there were also two special awards to recognise the involvement of two organisations, one in the private sector and one the public sector, to help make this City of Culture year so successful. Mail editor Neil Hodgkinson said: “It feels like there is an unprecedented amount of investment and support, with people finally recognising the raft of talent we have available in Hull and across East Yorkshire.”
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The region’s business community was inspired and entertained at the KCOM Stadium says Henry Saker-Clark
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elebrating another great year for the local business community, the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 was heralded as another great success. Company leaders from across the region gathered for the occasion at the KCOM stadium in Hull, which saw business excellence honoured in 16 categories, as well as two special City of Culture awards. The awards have become a major event in the region’s business calendar and provided the perfect opportunity to recognise achievements across a range of industries in a monumental year for Hull and the East Riding. Mail editor Neil Hodgkinson shared this message of positivity with the audience of almost 400 guests, describing an unprecedented amount of investment and support visible in the region. He said: “Big businesses have backed the region, with major developments planned at RB and Croda in Hull and Tricoya at Saltend Chemicals Park. “This year has also seen other significant investments bearing fruit, with Siemens producing the first wind turbine blades from its state-of-the-art Alexandra Dock facility.” As well as the major developments that have created jobs in 2017, the ceremony also provided the opportunity for Mr Hodgkinson to recognise key plans that hope to leave an impressive legacy in the area. Mike Pennington, managing director for Trinity Mirror Regionals, shared a similar message of positivity. He said: “The city, over the past 12 months, has changed beyond all recognition. The coverage we have received locally, regionally, nationally and internationally has been way beyond all our expectations. “Hull is definitely a city on the up and on the UK map more than ever before, most of which you will hear about tonight. “However, for me, it’s all about the legacy and the sustainability in years to come for the city encouraging people to come back.” Mr Hodgkinson, speaking ahead of keynote speaker Dave Fishwick, added that the event was a great opportunity to praise businesses that have supported the City of Culture celebrations. “It would be remiss of me not to praise the way that businesses across the region have supported the City of Culture,” he told the audience. “There are many more stories from 2017 and we will be championing them throughout tonight’s awards and I must, as always, pay tribute to our sponsors for
Major night on business calendar is celebration of economy
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT: Mail editor, Neil Hodgkinson lauded major projects. making tonight happen. So, my thanks go to KCOM, the University of Hull, ABP Humber, Arco, Siemens Gamesa, Jelf Insurance Partnership, Smailes Goldie, HSBC, Gosschalks Solicitors, BP, Cranswick, BAE Systems, Sewell Group, Horncastle Group, MKM Building
Supplies, Swift, Hull Trains, KRL Group, HBP Systems, Hatfields Jaguar, Ability IT and GF Smith. “Finally, a word of praise for the judges. So much thanks and appreciation to chief executive of For Entrepreneurs Only, Jan Brumby, Alex Tong, head of finance for KCOM in Hull and East Yorkshire, and to Rob Bell, logistics consultant and founder of The History Troupe.” The judges selected two shortlisted nominees for each of the 15 regular categories, before picking one worthy winner to be announced on the evening. The winners were announced in three sections during the night, around a three-course meal with variety of entertainment including fire-breathers, stilt-walkers, caricaturist Ray Allen and magician James Kirkman entertaining guests at their tables throughout the night. The event also had a raffle to raise funds for chosen charity, the NSPCC, raising £1,888 through guests’ generous donations.
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017
BEYOND EXPECTATIONS: Mike Pennington, managing director for Trinity Mirror Regionals, shared a message of positivity with guests.
HATFIELDS JAGUAR HULL
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HBP Systems Ltd hatfields.co.uk
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Training and Development
Moulding next generation of workers Advanced Plastics has invested thousands of hours in training
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mploying around 150 people in Hull, Advanced Plastics Ltd has shown an impressive rate of growth since starting out in the city almost 25 years ago. Operating from a highly automated manufacturing facility in Bergen Way, Advanced Plastics produces a diverse range of technical injection moulded products to blue chip clients. In the company’s entry, it said: “The training and development of team members is critical to achieving the strategic goals and fulfilling an overall business mission.” This was proven by the company, which made a step-change over four years to ensure the amount of dedicated training for each member of staff was increased. The firm, which has seen impressive growth from 82 staff to 150 since the change in 2013, says it has resulted in the business
delivering in the region of 35,000 hours of training over the four-year-period. A structured technical apprenticeship scheme was also introduced by the company for apprentices to gain engineering skills from an accredited training provider, before they undergo training on a three-month rotation in a number of core disciplines. For the remainder of their four-year apprenticeship, apprentices specialise in a specific area, and throughout their time attend technical college on a day release basis for formal qualifications. The firm currently has seven technical apprentices. One judge said: “I’m impressed by the breadth of evidence it has put forward and everything on the criteria it has clearly met. They have not just met it, but surpassed it too.” The category was sponsored by the University of Hull.
Winners of the Training and development award, Advanced Plastics with host Helen Fospero.
WE’RE PROUD TO SPONSOR THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD
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Exporter of the Year
International trade is now pet project Burgess Pet Care makes strategic change in successful year
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The Burgess Pet Care team at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards ceremony.
ne of the UK’s leading independently owned pet food manufacturers, Burgess Pet Care has been established in the area for more than 200 years, dating back to 1790. The company has recently embarked on a strategic move to put greater focus in the direction of developing and growing its export business. In a short period of time it has developed an export revenue more than £1m. Produce is now exported from the factory near Snaith to more than 30 countries across the globe. It has recently signed distribution agreements with major distributors in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa and South Korea, showing an established export market inside and outside Europe. The entry by Burgess said it is continuing
ABP Humber Ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Hull and Goole are proud sponsors of the Exporter of the Year Award. www.abports.co.uk
to grow quickly and “plan to realistically double or treble export turnover”. In the entry, Burgess said it has “embraced international business” and changed its organisational structure to focus on it, including the employment of a dedicated export administrator and a re-branding of all product labels to be multi-lingual. The pet food firm says it is continuing to grow its export market and is in active discussions with distributors in another five countries and plans to launch Burgess products into these markets within months. The judges said they were impressed by the significant financial growth the company has gained through its continued emphasis on taking advantage of the growing export market for pet food. Chris Green, port manager for sponsors ABP Humber, announced the winner.
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Community Involvement
Pub is at the heart of its community The Wrygarth Inn has stand-out relationship with customers
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community-spirited pub in the heart of the East Yorkshire Wolds, the Wrygarth Inn is just ten miles away from Hull, but has become a family oriented destination. The pub is a lynchpin of the village community and has found itself at the very centre of community events, campaigning and charity fundraising. Judges recognised the contribution of the independent firm in a competitive category, saying that it went far beyond what would be expected of an independent business of its size. The pub has raised significant amounts for charity, including more than £20,000 to organisations including Macmillan Cancer Research and homeless charities including William Booth House. These fundraising efforts also included a wing-walk by the pub landlady, raising
£1,450 for Marie Curie and local volunteers. She has also recently completed a parachute jump to raise the funds for a defibrillator for the pub. This summer, the pub also got into the spirit of the City of Culture, launching a local artist weekend, showing pictures and painting from the Hornsea Arts Society as well as hosting demonstrations by esteemed guests. Last year, the pub was a finalist for the Morning Advertiser’s family pub of the year 2016 and won the community pub Best Bar None award in East Yorkshire in 2016. The judges said they could see that the pub regularly and heavily contributed the local community, through its own campaigning and charity work. They said that there was clearly a “stand-out” relationship between residents and staff at the pub. The award was sponsored by Arco.
Ray and Sandra Thompson, of The Wrygarth Inn, accept their award from Arco.
The UK’s Leading Distributor of Workplace & Safety Equipment Proud to sponsor The Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 www.arco.co.uk
Innovation and Technology
Tech firm on right track for the future APD Communications is developing innovative technology
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Judges recognised the progression made by APD in its industry.
determination to develop important and innovative technologies won APD Communications this year’s Innovation and Technology Award. The company has been creating cutting-edge technology in North Hull since 1984. Back in the Eighties, before GPS, APD single-handedly designed and launched the world’s first real-time bus tracking system. Now, the firm has received wide acclaim for a variety of technical communication systems, including state-of-the-art technology for emergency services call centres. A leader in the industry, APD creates integrated communications control systems, technology required to operate control rooms so people can work quickly when it most matters. It has also developed crash detection analytics technology and vehicle telematics,
Proud sponsors of the Innovation & Technology Award
which are used to monitor driver and vehicle performance using discreet in-car technology. The business has become recognised in the field, maintaining a 50 per cent market share in UK police and having several fire service contracts. In APD’s entry the company said that demand is beginning to grow in the UK public sector, increasingly around the emergency services, meaning it continues to look for cost-effective solutions in the sector. The judges said there was a clear contribution to technical innovation and forward-thinking in the industry through APD’s work. One judge said: “It’s invaluable technology. The importance of what APD is doing needs to be recognised, as well as its progression in the industry.” The category was sponsored by BP.
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Green Award
‘Teathos’ gives firm bags of eco love Leaves of The World brewing business prosperity in the UK
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lthough only launching in January of this year, Leaves of the World Ltd has already grown to become the largest organic loose leaf tea company in the UK. The start-up company, based in Swanland, also prides itself of being one of a small number of vegan-friendly tea blending companies. By following what the firm calls its teathos, owners Jason Russell and Samantha Castledine have developed a business with ethics at its core. This ethos means that no chemicals and pesticides are used to produce the tea leaves the company sells, which it says supports wildlife in the area and keeps soils unaffected. Leaves of the World says it is important that this is not just seen as a vegan or alternative product, but an accessible one, which has strong ethical values at its core.
Alongside organic principles, the company used bio-degradable and recycled packaging where possible. The teabags themselves are raw and bio-degradable and even business cards are printed on recycled paper. The firm has recently been recognised by Breakthrough Global, an elite programme corporation, working with companies such as Nestlé and Danone, as upcoming market leaders in the field. One judge said: “They really get across how ethics are at the very centre of each decision they make. “They have clearly thought about how they can source products well, work sustainably and improve any processes as they grow, while maintaining that ethos.” The award was announced by Jason Speedy, Hull plant director for sponsors Siemens Gamesa.
Siemens Gamesa was sponsor of the Green Award won by Leaves of The World.
Proud sponsor of the Green Award in Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 Customer Focus Award
Service centre taking on the big boys Beverley Motor Works taking customer service seriously
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The team behind Beverley Motor Works is inspired by quality customer service.
Jelf is delighted to be sponsoring the Customer Focus Award
lan Lewis and Richard Hayes left larger car service centres seven years ago in order to a build a business that treated customer service as the utmost priority. Beverley Motor Works has seen continued growth since being launched by the pair as an independent BMW and Mini service centre, with a team that has more than 50 years combined dealership experience. In the company’s entry, it highlighted that the owners established the business because they had become aware of customers’ mistrust in the motor industry and said that they hoped to change that. It says Beverley Motor Works has looked towards new and innovative solutions to help customer service, including SMS alerts to let customers know their vehicle is ready to collect, which the firm says has helped
Jelf Insurance Partnership are here to help you with your insurance needs whether they are for yourself and your family or your business.
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communicating with customers. Turnover has increased by 280 per cent since the first year of trading in 2011 and the firm say this is a result of positive customer appraisals and, therefore, good word of mouth. A member of the Good Garage Scheme, the business has more than 1,200 honest customer reviews, with 99.1 per cent of clientele agreeing that the business exceeded expectations with regards to helpfulness of staff, communication and standard of work. The firm has also been externally accredited as a coveted Which? Trusted Trader, the only garage in the local area with the award. The judges said that the firm was “taking on the big guys and beating them at their own game” when it came to giving customers long-term support. The award was announced by Richard Tuplin of sponsor Jelf Insurance Partnership.
Just contact us on 01482 213215 and we will do the rest! Partnership House Priory Park East Kingston upon Hull HU4 7DY www.jelfgroup.com
Jelf Insurance Partnership is a trading name of Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd (Reg No. 0837227), which is part of Jelf Group plc (Reg No. 2975376) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered address: Hillside Court, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6JX (Registered in England and Wales). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA.
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Business of the Year (Small)
Small firm has big ideas about industry GW Power Safe has impressive growth after just a few years
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W Power Safe was set up four years ago by Daniel Haley with no start-up capital and one engineer, but has since added 13 full-time members of staff, as well as another four engineers working on a seasonal basis. The judges said that the firm managed to stand out in a popular category because of its commitment to expansion, in both recruitment and service. Mr Haley started the firm as an electrical contractor, shortly after being made redundant as an electrician, but it has since branched out into mechanical services and, recently, opened a plumbing and heating department. In the entry, GW Power Safe also said there are plans for the future to create further arms to the business in areas such as air conditioning and ventilation services to provide a full scope of work for builders.
In the fourth year of trading, the company has almost doubled turnover year on year. The firm has also said it is looking to invest a minimum of £15k on training for both office staff and engineers to improve service they provide. Continued growth may see the firm open its first base outside of Hull, with plans for a Leeds branch to enable it to be competitive for contracts in West Yorkshire. Year one turnover was £166,912 and now the firm says it is on track to meet a year four target of £1.25m turnover. Judges said that Mr Haley’s development and growth of the company has been impressive in a short period of time and were encouraged by the business plans to continue and develop its services to customers. The award was announced by Mike Stocks of sponsor Smailes Goldie.
Despite being a smaller firm, GW Power Safe is investing significantly in training for staff.
Congratulations to all the winners of the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017 As the proud sponsor of the Small Business of the Year Award, we’re passionate about local SMEs
To find out more, please call 01482 326916 or visit www.smailesgoldiegroup.co.uk
Business of the Year (Medium)
Modular buildings integral to growth Integra continues to expand after 20 years in the business
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In its 20th anniversary year the building and construction specialist picked up a major award.
wenty years since its creation, fast-growing designer and manufacturer of modular buildings, Integra, operates in an increasingly important sector of the construction industry. The firm has spent two decades continuing to supply public and private sector clients with buildings for a wide variety of uses, including sport, leisure, education, healthcare and commercial operations. Led by managing director Gary Parker, the company boasts more than 100 years of combined experience in the industry. The firm says revenues have doubled in the past five years and this year it was recognised as one of the region’s fastest-growing companies. As well as a main Burstwick site, the company also has a secondary manufacturing operation at Paull. It has now purchased
Proud to sponsor the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2017
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a £1.6m, six-acre site in Paull for a single fit-for-purpose operation with further investment planned. In its entry, Integra said that sales trajectory has been mirrored by a growth in employment, which has seen 20 more staff employed in the past three years, bringing the workforce to 90. The judges said this was a tightly fought category, but they were impressed by the speed of recent growth. They said: “This is a company that making a lot of positive business decisions at the moment. It has grown impressively, but seems to be always looking towards the next positive move.” Mr Parker, said: “This year we’re marking the 20th anniversary of the business and this award reflects how far we’ve come.” The category was sponsored by HSBC Commercial Banking.
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Business of the Year (Large)
Helping to construct culture in the city Spencer Group continues to be a major employer in region
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ne of the most successful businesses in its sector nationally, Spencer Group has been a major employer and key player in construction developments in the region for decades. 2017 has been another important year for the firm, which has been a visible developer in numerous high-profile contacts throughout works for City of Culture year. The business was created by Hull entrepreneur Charlie Spencer, who turned a small engineering firm into one of the UK’s largest privately owned multi-disciplinary engineering firms. Next year will see the completion of Spencer Group’s ground-breaking £200m energy works development on Cleveland Street. In the financial year to March 2017 Spencer delivered record pre-tax profits of £5.4m on a turnover of £113m.
The Hull firm has continued to develop industry-firsts, including the landmark Scottish Bridge of Invention – Britain’s first retracting footbridge – using a unique system to prevent corrosion of suspension bridge cables. The past year has also seen growth in new areas of construction for Spencer, including enhancing its rail client base and portfolio with a £20m project in Penzance, Cornwall critical to the start of HS2. The firm has also supported initiatives such as the Tommy Coyle Academy and Cat Zero to help give young people confidence and skills for a better future. One judge said: “Sometimes, with other businesses, you need to sit down and think about what they do, but everyone in Hull knows the contribution of Spencer Group.” The award was announced by Nigel Beckwith, of sponsors Gosschalks Solicitors
Spencer Group has capped another important year by bagging a Hull Daily Mail Business Award.
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Employee of the Year
Ex-labourer helps apprentices prosper Vulcan Windows man shows loyalty and enterprise for firm
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The total respect for colleagues in all positions in company helped Neil Hall win an award.
aving started as a labourer working for Beach and Walker, which became Vulcan Windows some 35 years ago, Neil Hall might have found it hard to imagine that he would now oversee the new build division at the company, responsible for contracts worth £4m a year. The Hull lad now has 20 staff working for him, but his managers say he has always remained humble and a key part to their operations. Having worked his way from the bottom, his total respect for employees at levels has been lauded and helps him gain respect from customers and staff alike. Neil set up the firm’s apprentice scheme, which he has continued to look after for the past five years. Throughout that time he has seen around 20 apprentices work at the firm, with
around ten now having full-time jobs there. He said that he was given his opportunity there 35 years earlier and now wanted to give something back and help younger generations. In the entry form for Mr Hall, Paul Walker, operations manager at Vulcan, said: “Neil’s attention to detail and loyalty to Vulcan is second to none and as an employer and friend I could ask for no better. “I have worked with Neil for nearly 20 years and we have seen good and bad times together, but knowing that he is with me, we have always come out on the other side.” One judge said: “I really got the way that he took the apprenticeship scheme on himself in order to give young people the opportunity he had.” The award was sponsored by Cranswick Foods.
PROUD SPONSORS OF HULL DAILY MAIL BUSINESS AWARDS
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Entrepreneur of the Year
Brewing interesting new opportunities Tom Mellor of Wold Top Brewery has adapted to farming life
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he judges of this year’s awards were swept up by Tom Mellor’s passion for his self-made business and the ingenuity that led him to create one of the region’s most successful breweries. After numerous years back at his family farm in the Yorkshire Wolds, he introduced new crops and looked for new business opportunities. With farm incomes falling nationally in the early 2000s, Mr Mellor looked for new avenues and used the quality of his land for growing barley to his own benefit, developing a site on the farm for brewing real ale, creating Wold Top Brewery at Hunmanby Farm. A barn at the farm was converted into a micro-brewery and in the first year production was 1,600 litres per week with £70,000 turnover. In 2017, production is up to 26,000 litres per
week and a turnover of £2,000,000 at the brewery, which now employs 18 staff members. New business with Marks & Spencer and the Co-Op, together with a growing export order book, has resulted in a 26 per cent increase in sales year on year. In 2015, it invested in a new brew plant and extended the brewery size by 150 per cent and added contract brewing for bottling to its offering. Tom Mellor has also developed the new brew plant so that it was built with whiskey as well as beer in mind. Judges were impressed by Tom’s innovation to initially start the brewery, describing him as a real character, and could see why this had helped the business become successful. The award was announced by Paul Sewell of category sponsors Sewell Group.
Judges were impressed by Tom Mellor’s passion for his self-made business.
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Start-up Business of the Year
App team shows bottle and expands Sauce has developed an impressive reputation at C4Di
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Sauce was presented its award by sponsors MKM Building Supplies and Horncastle Group.
More than 50 years
of providing land & property solutions
The Beacon, Brighton Street, Hull
Green Park, Newport Junction 38 M62
Ozone, Howden Road, Howden, Junction 37 M62
4Di has seen the growth of a raft of impressive digital firms blossoming recently, and Sauce is one of the most highly regarded. The firm is only 18 months old and has already seen growth, taking up more office space at the digital incubator, growing from three employees to a team of six, with three more subcontractors. The firm has worked with some of Hull’s biggest companies including Siemens and Ideal Boilers to create online platforms and applications to help provide their services. The company won the Best Mobile App at the recent Hull Digital Awards 2017 for an app it created working with Siemens. The MyTime platform understands the shift patterns of the 600 workers at the Siemens Gamesa facility to accurately forecast the hours worked in a given quarter.
The company also won the Best Mobile App award last year for its application developed for Hull University Union to help student engagement and provide information about events. The company has also been developing smart technology for a major Hull firm to improve the way that customers can pay for bills and open up valuable data on how products are used. As well as client projects, Sauce has also taken on internal projects, such as an app it is developing to send users notifications for when and which bin needs to be put out for collection. Judges said they were impressed by the development of Sauce over a short period and had been impressed by the impressive reputation the firm had gained within C4Di. The award was sponsored by MKM Building Supplies and Horncastle Group.
are proud to sponsor
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START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD 2017
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Young Achiever of the Year
Model employee has major influence EskimoSoup’s Amy Knight has creativity and professionalism
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efore she even had a job at EskimoSoup Amy Knight proved the creative flair and character that has made her an integral part to the firm’s successes. She arrived at EskimoSoup in Hull after having sent a hand-crafted clay model of herself with a handwritten CV in 2014 to gain the attention of the social marketing agency. The company swiftly hired her onto 12-week internship and says it hasn’t looked back since. The company says that from starting the internship she “made herself indispensable, ensuring the company created a permanent role for her”. Since then she has gone onto accomplish many things for the growing C4Di-based company, which it says makes her a standout candidate. Amy has been the campaign manager for
Not In Our Community, a multi-award winning campaign that helps young people protect their friends from grooming and exploitation. Working sensitively with young people she helped them retell their stories and find positivity in the darkest of places. The firm says that Amy has rapidly been promoted to influencing key decisions and the running of the business at Eskimosoup. In her entry, EskimoSoup managing director John Gilbert said: “Amy’s interest in business and generally giving a damn has been a tremendous influence on the direction of business.” In choosing Amy Knight for the award, the judging panel said: “She stands out. The company has made it clear how she has really helped, with really high-quality work in important areas of campaigning.” The award was sponsored by Swift Group.
Amy Knight, of EskimoSoup, first came to the attention of colleagues with a creative application.
Tourism and Hospitality
Marina restaurant dishing out classics Tapasaya@Marina combines Indian style with Yorkshire flair
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The food and hospitality of Tapasaya@Marina was well-known to the judges.
he tourism and hospitality award will be making a short journey after changing hands between last year’s winners, 1884 Dock Street Kitchen, to neighbour Tapasya@Marina. After opening the first popular Tapasya restaurant on Beverley Road in Hull in 2013, last year the fine-dining Indian institution opened a restaurant in the growing Humber Street area. It was a joint venture conceived by Tapan Mahapatra and Mukesh Tirkoti. Mr Mahapatra is an onco-plastic breast surgeon at the Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham. After deciding to enter the restaurant business, he created a partnership with Mr Tirkoti, who had experience in the international hospitality industry. The pair combine Indian recipes and technique with fresh Yorkshire produce. The
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restaurant, based on the waterfront at the marina, aims to replicate the same methods in a stylish new setting to great success. For the new restaurant the company hired a head chef with experience at London restaurants Benares and Gymkhana, to help provide an innovative dining experience. In the entry, the restaurant said it has gained a positive reputation quickly through listening to customer feedback and maintaining excellent communication. The restaurant has also diversified its services, by opening on different days, providing lunch-time deals as well as a quirky Indian afternoon tea. Judges said they all knew and loved the food from Tapasya and had been impressed by the growth of the company. The award was announced by Will Dunnett of sponsor Hull Trains.
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 Best Support Service
Forward-thinking firm is rewarded rradar ‘steadfast in its desire to help and support SMEs’
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hat happens when an SME needs access to legal advice? Many only turn to lawyers when trouble has already happened, but rradar CEO Gary Gallen sought to revolutionise legal services by providing a forward-thinking service to prevent problems occurring. Winning the award for the second year in a row, the company has seen impressive development over the past 12 months, including almost doubling staff numbers to more than 100 and moving to a new base at Beacon Business Park. The custom-made building is a long way from the conservatory where Mr Gallen started the firm, after becoming frustrated with the industry while working for one of the UK’s biggest law firms. In just five years, he has built up the firm, which now completes work alongside insurance giant AXA and has recently been
recognised by the London Stock Exchange Group and been included on its acclaimed ELITE programme. In its entry, rradar said it has been steadfast in its desire to help and support SME’s in the region. The company says it believes traditional legal services have become outdated, and it has therefore developed a less reactive and more prepared approach to the sector. rradar promises to provide straightforward legal advice, sharing knowledge with clients to develop legally compliant, robust workplaces that can identify and avoid problems before they happen. The company has also been at the forefront of embracing digital technologies to help support its clients. The judges applauded the company’s innovation to specifically solve problems its clients may face. The category was sponsored by KRL.
The Best Support Service Award winners Rradar on stage with sponsors KRL with George Baker and Helen Fospero.
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Culture
People who made culture happen MKM Building Supplies and Hull City Council recognised for their contribution to an amazing year for city
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MKM Building Supplies won a Culture award.
his year has been unforgettable. The UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations began with a bang and continued to grab the imaginations of people in Hull and across the UK. To recognise the success of this year’s celebrations, and the contribution of both public and private organisations to making it a roaring success, two special awards were created. Sponsored by BAE Systems, both awards highlighted the investment that has allowed Hull 2017 to happen and the work that has taken place to ensure residents can benefit from a tangible legacy. The first of the two awards focused on the contribution of a
Hull City Council won the Culture award for a public entity, sponsored by BAE Systems. business which had a committed involvement to making this year a success from the outset. MKM Building Supplies took home the award, being described as “the first name out of everyone’s mouth” when business leaders were asked who they believed was deserving. The
firm helped to create events as a forerunner to the year and has given significant backing over the year itself, through its work as a major partner. BAE’s Andrew Woodward also revealed the second award winner as an organisation which had backed the City of Culture
A Proud History of Aviation Excellence Cutting edge design, development, manufacture, testing and through-life support of world-leading military aircraft. www.baesystems.com
bid from the very beginning and has worked with focus and determination throughout the last few years. Announcing Hull City Council as winners for the award for a public entity, Neil Hodgkinson said: “Many people have contributed, but way back in 2013, there was a very lonely feel to the bid and doubt as to whether we should even bid for the title. “However, one group of people kept its nerve and pressed on. They were consummate professionals, they took on the risk of failure, they worked hard behind the scenes – unheralded and often unappreciated. But they ended up with a miracle. “We won. They won.”
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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017
A night to remember for city firms
The cream of business in Hull and the East Riding were out in force at the KCOM Stadium to recognise the region’s industry
BUSINESS AWARDS 2014
Lifetime contribution
Solicitor with business acumen wins Simon Lunt, of Gosschalks Solicitors wins impressive honour
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he Lifetime Contribution Award has been a feature of the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards since 2012. Sponsored by KCOM since this category’s inception, the title goes to someone who has had a significant and positive impact on the local business community. Unlike the other categories, there is no nomination process or shortlist published, the judges instead facing some serious deliberations about their chosen winner. Last year the coveted award went to Spencer Group founder Charlie Spencer, with Victoria Johnson, founder of Kingston Recruitment, winning back in 2015. This year it was the turn of Simon Lunt, senior partner at Gosschalks Solicitors to take the crown. Announcing the decision, Alan Worthing, director of Hull and East Yorkshire business for sponsors KCOM, recognised the
contribution of Mr Lunt, not just for his business acumen, but also for helping many causes in Hull and the East Riding. Mr Lunt has worked at the firm for more than 40 years, receiving acclaim as a solicitor, but also for his involvement across a range of organisation, from his involvement with Humber LEP, to his support of rugby teams and Hull’s Smile Foundation. A video highlighted why business leaders chose Simon Lunt as this year’s recipient, including Andrew Horncastle, who said: “Simon is a guy who commands respect. You mention his name in the area and those who perhaps don’t know him that well would say he’s a solicitor. And he is a solicitor, an exceptionally good one, and one who has been a key player in building Gosschalks into one of the largest and most successful firms. But there is much, much more to Simon when you know him well.”
In awarding Simon Lunt the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award, judges recognised his experience.
Congratulations to Simon Lunt of Gosschalks Solicitors Winner of the Lifetime Contribution Award