The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards marked a significant milestone this year, celebrating a quarter-century of recognizing business excellence in the region. The event, held on the evening of March 15, 2025, brought together around 500 attendees to honour businesses across various sectors, including logistics, leisure, and food production.
A standout moment of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Peter Brown, the third-generation leader of the family-run global logistics provider, Neill & Brown. Brown has dedicated 60 years to the company, which was established in 1917. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized his commitment to sustaining the business and its local workforce. “I don’t want to sell the business; I want to employ more people and keep the business going. It is a legacy,” he stated, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation
The awards, now in their second year under the leadership of entrepreneurs Simon Jones and Jane Smallwood, aim to highlight not just business success but also community spirit and legacy. Television presenter Gethin Jones hosted the event, which featured a live performance by local indie rocker Fiona-Lee.
David Hall, managing director of Beverley Leisure Homes, received the title of Entrepreneur of the Year and led his company to victory in the Small Business category. Starting his career as an apprentice cabinetmaker at 16, he launched his first business at just 22. Hall expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Being nominated is testament to how well we have all done.” He attributed his success to the strength of his team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mentorship.
Other notable winners included Soanes Poultry, which took home the Large Business and Environmental and Sustainability Awards. Under the leadership of managing director Ben Lee, the company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. Lee remarked, “It is great to have the recognition for all the hard work the team put in. We try our best to push the business forward.”
ResQ Ltd, a prominent contact centre, was awarded Best Place to Work and the Innovation Award. Chief executive Gill Marchbank highlighted the company’s commitment to employee development, stating, “We have about 1,000 employees now, and the biggest change we made was stopping CV applications. Everyone who applies gets an interview.” This approach has fostered a supportive workplace culture aimed at retaining talent.
Recognizing New Talent and Community Impact
The awards also celebrated emerging talent in the region. Alex Pollard, senior contracts manager at RMC Digital Print, was named Rising Star for his rapid ascent within the company. He expressed his excitement about the win, stating, “It shows a lot of achievement over the last five years, not only for myself but for the company as well.”
In the Start-Up Business category, Mopli Commercial Cleaning founders Dom Riley and Tom Newell celebrated their victory, highlighting their commitment to their local roots. Newell stated, “We’re really proud to be from Hull and East Yorkshire, and this really is testament to that.” The company aims to build a legacy of excellence in the cleaning industry.
Fast Forward Vocational Training, which partners with schools and referral units to engage young people, received the Growth Award. Co-founder Paul Thompson noted the program’s impact on at-risk youth, saying, “It is amazing what we have achieved.” Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has expanded from a single location to 35 centres across the UK.
In a heartfelt moment, CatZero was named Charity of the Year. Chief executive Adrian Tallon expressed pride in the charity’s work, which supports vulnerable individuals in the community. “To be named Charity of the Year means the world,” he said, underscoring the importance of their mission, especially in challenging fundraising environments.
Other award winners included the education team from The Deep, recognized as Team of the Year for their impactful educational programs. Teacher Jenny Thomas led the team in celebrating their success, stating, “We are thrilled. The judges recognized we’re like family!”
The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognizing and celebrating local businesses that contribute to the community’s growth and prosperity. This year’s event not only showcased individual success stories but also reinforced the collaborative spirit that defines the region’s business landscape.
For 2025, the awards were supported by principal partners including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council, and the University of Hull, among others, continuing a legacy of partnership and community support.
