Awards deadline call as judge anticipates adversity breeding success

Awards deadline looms large as Humber marketeer expects strong stories of business courage to emerge from Covid pandemic

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David LaisterBusiness Editor (Humber)

14:35, 15 SEP 2020
Updated14:41, 15 SEP 2020

Diana Taylor, managing director of Marketing Humber, the bondholder organisation, and judge of the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards. (Image: Neil Holmes / Reach Plc)

Marketing Humber managing director Dr Diana Taylor has told how the adversity faced by companies due to coronavirus in 2020 will make for remarkable tales of success come the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards.

The key figure in raising the region’s credentials on a national and international level, joins the judging panel next month, and has spoken with just days remaining to submit entries.

Nominations close at the end of the week for the prestigious accolades, with 14 categories open to submissions.

Diana, who took the bondholder organisation role three years ago, developed her career with BP, and was a key part of the team that established Saltend Chemicals Park. She went on to launch her own business transformation consultancy, bringing her strong analytical skills and a proven competence in business development, change management, communications and organisational development to the fore.

She said: “2020 has been quite the year, and Covid has demonstrated, emphasised and instilled strong leadership, with decisions taken focusing on safety and wellbeing, the core business and lean operations.

“It has also demonstrated creative thinking, the abilities to adapt and rise to the challenge and an opportunity with new markets, products and partners.

Dr Diana Taylor addressing a Hull Minster audience in her role as managing director of Marketing Humber. — (Image: Neil Holmes Photography Limited)

“This is a region and a city with really strong, impressive companies. The awards that celebrate this region are absolutely set to demonstrate this.”

She joins Jan Brumby, chief executive of For Entrepreneurs Only, and KCom head of sales Alan Worthing who returns to the panel for a second year.

They will judge the 14 categories, with only the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed without nomination.

Reading through the categories, which include Business in the Face of Adversity, Diana said: “I’m looking forward to seeing entries from all sectors, from businesses of all sizes, and there are so many different categories to make this happen, whether it is for innovation, green credentials or an individual award, be it apprentice or entrepreneur.

“This has been the year where there have been so many examples. We have businesses here continuing to underpin the economy, still creating jobs and looking to the future.

“It is vitally important to share success and the roles of our businesses, and we need to be able to celebrate it.”

A dedicated website has been set up for applications at , with a deadline of Friday, September 18.

Winners will be revealed at a black tie gala dinner event scheduled to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull on Thursday, November 19, subject to the latest government advice and guidelines.