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
T
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
“
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.”