Excellence through adversity was toasted as Hull celebrated its business heroes in a year like no other.
The 2020 Hull Business Awards brought some incredible tales of resilience, perseverance and performance amid the pandemic.
Forced to pivot and go digital by the ongoing measures to contain and curtail Covid itself, a dedicated platform was created to mirror as much of the calendar highlight the event is as possible, and it didn’t disappoint.
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Brought to you by Reach Plc, the company behind Business Live, television presenter Louise Minchin hosted, with Hull Daily Mail and Hull Live publisher Neil Hodgkinson praising many, and reflecting on all those lost to coronavirus.
He said: “Hopefully the worst is now over, but I suspect the experience of lockdown, tiers and separation from loved ones young and old will live long in the memory.
"We humans are a resilient lot, and despite the disruption life has gone on, and opportunity has emerged from desperation as many in business fought hard to keep the economy afloat, companies buoyant and jobs intact.
“It is those businesses that we are here to celebrate.”
Listing major developments in the past 12 months, from Pensana’s emergence at Saltend to Melton expansion and all in between - including three new caravan factories and major city office moves - he said: “There is plenty to celebrate, good news stories from across Hull and East Riding.”
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Thanking judges Jan Brumby, chief executive of For Entrepreneurs Only; Diana Taylor, managing director of Marketing Humber and Alan Worthing, KCom director of business, Mr Hodgkinson said: “The resounding opinion of all was that this region is open for business.”
Hull Business Awards Roll of Honour
Apprentice of the Year
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WINNER: Natasha McDermott - Heald Ltd, Hornsea
Joining as sales administration apprentice at the hostile vehicle mitigation systems manufacturer in October 2019, Natasha’s arrival as a graduate coincided with a period of intense growth.
Her initiative to learn the industry, research leads and understand the sector has seen her contribute to marketing blogs, while such has her progress been, that she ably covers the sales supervisor when on leave, dealing with international inquiries across multiple time zones.
She proactively seeks out leads, focusing on new construction activity, and has proved herself to be ‘indispensable,’ leading to a contract offer on completion of her advanced apprenticeship.
Heald managing director Debbie Heald MBE said: “Natasha has been a fantastic addition to the business. She plays a vital role in supporting her colleagues and has really worked hard on developing her confidence, knowledge and skills. She is a well-regarded member of the team and is consistently proactive in helping to support them.”
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FINALIST: Luke Jowsey - Cock of the Walk, Hull
The bespoke tailoring workshop’s first apprentice from Hull should have seen his apprenticeship come to an end during lockdown. When the company joined the Covid-19 fight and all hands were turned to making surgical gowns he stayed on - working 13 hour days, six days a week - seeing it as his duty to the team and the area as he did it voluntarily.
Despite his new skills not being second nature, he was described as holding his own, with energy and enthusiasm making up for lack of experience.
His contribution to the great PPE effort at Cock of the Walk saw his cutting and machine skills advance far beyond a full year apprenticeship and he has been appointed as junior undercutter, working directly under master tailor Gill Long.
Nominating him, she said: “Luke has certainly found his home with us and will continue learning the art of bespoke tailoring with us until he is fully qualified - and we hope he will stay after that too.”
FINALIST: Ruth Walmsley - Blab Digital, Hessle
The apprentice designer arrived at the Ergo base having been recommended by Wyke College, and their faith in her was understood immediately at interview.
Progress is described as outstanding thanks to a can-do attitude, with work on real projects underlining the responsibility afforded and trust earned.
Work on briefs has “knocked clients’ socks off” while she has also been awarded in her day release studies for being an outstanding student.
Using her own initiative to present to clients has been praised and her ability to take on feedback too is noted, while external feedback has been appreciated by the entire team.
Targets set are routinely smashed with “unflappable, positive and creative just three of the characteristics Ruth possesses that impress us,” marketing director Courtney Wood said, adding: “there’s a very bright future ahead for Ruth and we want to celebrate how far she’s come already”.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
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WINNER: Alistair O’Sullivan - Diony, Hull
In three short years since the marketing agency began trading, Alistair has built up to a turnover approaching £400,000, while hitting his target of forming a six strong team.
But his credentials for the award stretch further than strong growth, with more anticipated, as a resilient, sustainable strategy has been illustrated.
The ‘disruptive’ digital specialist had to negotiate the buy-out of a fellow director in the company’s infancy, while also acquiring another marketing agency and embedding its director in his team - underlying decisive business acumen.
Larger targets are now being set for Diony, which he describes as an extension of a client’s team.
Alistair is also delivering sessions at the University of Hull as part of the For Entrepreneurs Only organisation, of which he is a member.
Alongside that he has developed Recover, a free online resource that helps brands progress out of the Covid-19 crisis.
FINALIST: Harry Hall - Attention to Detail, Beverley
Natural entrepreneurial skills have literally shone through for Hessle’s Harry, who started Attention to Detail in his parents’ garage at the age of 16.
The meticulous car cleaning and protection specialist built a strong client base up, to the point where he has moved to a purpose-built location in Beverley to serve demand.
Space offered by the 3,000 sq ft facility, launched last October, is a springboard, and he is now forecasting a turnover of £200,000 in his next accounts, five years on from launch.
Detailing is completed for high profile customers in the 海角视频 and Europe, with the vehicles of MPs, celebrities, television personalities, business leaders and professional footballers benefiting from his care.
During lockdown he quickly pivoted to use his tools, including the paint protection film he normally applies to bodywork, for face shields. He delivered 1,000 packs to care homes and pharmacies in East Yorkshire.
Entrepreneur of the Year
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WINNER: Susan Perkins - Crancher Ltd, Hull
The hospitality sector was the worst affected when it came to Covid’s impact on business.
Undeterred when the pandemic hit the three pubs and two restaurants that make up the group alongside two bed and breakfast establishments and a recently added outside catering service, Susan converted her large family home to a short term let too, making it ideal for large family bubbles to get away.
Marketing was strategic, aiming at promotional websites, and revenues enabled her to keep her full team employed while making use of government support.
And while many battened hatches, she took on more, buying The Rose & Crown on the edge of Beverley Westwood.
She is now developing a venue with split use, catering for casual drinking and fine dining, with further accommodation across the period premises.
Susan is described as “not being satisfied with surviving, she wanted to grow, and is making it happen”.
FINALIST: Alexandra Poole - Inniti, Hull
After holding a variety of operational roles, in 2018 Alexandra realised her ambition to help inspire individuals and transform organisations, via consultant, coaching and training services.
Early success with a Rolls-Royce backed programme developing competitiveness in the 海角视频 aerospace supply chain gave her the platform to go on, with successive years of growth, with turnover and profit exceeding expectations. She now has a five-year plan to hit £1 million yearly revenues.
She is passionate about helping build a Britain fit for the future, while building up her own value - she has recently completed Women in Leadership scholarship and gained chartered manager accreditation.
Alexandra joined a delegation of British women entrepreneurs on a Chinese delegation focused on innovation and technology as part of the Global Business Forum in late 2019, and is a trustee of Renewable World, an international charity, while supporting Young Enterprise London’s company programme.
Business in the Face of Adversity
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WINNER: Working for Health CIC - Cottingham
Bridging the gap between mental health services and employment, the team behind the five year old operation realised the critical role it needed to play in lockdown. Instead of withdrawing services and furloughing staff as the pandemic saw strict measures enforced, it worked harder, more creatively and grew the business.
Case workers used email, phone and Zoom to speak with clients, with a greater need quickly realised, as issues such as social isolation, poverty and poor quality housing issues were amplified.
Workshops and drop-in facilities were re-engineered to go online by April, with help to disseminate the huge amount of information about the pandemic given.
An online magazine was created and an allotment taken on, providing the opportunity for small groups to meet in a socially distanced manner.
Clients’ wellbeing saw a marked improvement in feedback, with many finding work in factories, retail and healthcare.
FINALIST: Cock of the Walk - Hull
When the pandemic hit and the impact on the NHS was understood, the modest bespoke tailoring workshop in Grimston Street was transformed into a lean and efficient surgical gown manufacturing operation.
The war-like effort saw almost 3,000 produced, with many going direct to wards and operating theatres in the city as it pivoted from high quality suits and separates.
Nights, weekends and bank holidays were worked through, with 200 gowns a day produced at peak.
It didn’t stop when health bosses were confident with supply, turning to GP and dental surgeries, and donating to the Humber Resilience Forum.
Since the initial push, a premium dental gown has been produced, proven to wash 100 times, and as a result Cock of the Walk has been asked to register on the approved supply list.
The team stands ready and willing to go again, according to master tailor Gillian Long.
FINALIST: Springfield Solutions - Hull
The global brand management and multi-media business met the challenges coronavirus brought to key clients including the NHS, police armed forces and homeless charities, managing to grow 13 per cent through lockdown.
A total of 25,000 hand sanitiser labels were donated, having been approved, printed and delivered in 48 hours, while it also used its 3D printing capability to help in the PPE push for face masks.
New business was won off “incredible reaction times,” delivering packaging solutions in the 海角视频 and globally.
It was praised by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for work with Evans Vanodine’s cleaning detergents and sanitisers, while one million sanitiser labels were produced for Biological Preparations to meet the surge in demand, adhering to the five-day lead time, with government-serving Rutpen also accommodated. It was all achieved with between 60 and 70 per cent of staff working off-site, with facilities reconfigured to provide more space for those required.
Environmental & Sustainability Award
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WINNER: Brocklesby Ltd - North Cave
The edible oils and fatty food recycler recovered from a devastating Christmas Day fire in time to support manufacturing clients through one of the busiest ever times as lockdown saw supermarket sales soar.
Staff returned from the festive period early to aid the response, which included devising new ways to operate.
It quickly manoeuvred while rebuilding, expanding the site to handle further growth in the processing and recovery of oils and fats for green diesel, while making the site - which features a 3.5MW biogas facility - even more efficient.
Brocklesby took the opportunity to move its green credentials on, installing a gas pipeline to produce a cleaner steam, in a fuel switch from oil burning. Alongside this the 33-year-old firm installed the most energy efficient boilers it could source with steam recovery as part of a £1.5 million spend.
It is proud of the ability to recycle 100 per cent of all collected waste.
FINALIST: Environmental & Management Solutions Ltd - Hull
The charity works with the community to alleviate food and fuel poverty and is closing in on the creation of 80 allotment plots having worked to turn over unused land.
It aims to get neighbours working together, encourage exercise and reduce social isolation.
A second strand is the affordable food project called Hull Community Shop, moving on surplus food from local supermarkets - it has diverted 100 tonnes of food from landfill, while feeding 185 members who have made 3,500 visits.
It also cooks and distributes ready meals in a partnership with Cranswick, Soanes Poultry and Aunt Bessie’s, who provide produce to keep costs below £2.
This year saw it become the East Hull Food Hub when lockdown struck, delivering weekly food parcels to more than 1,700 individuals - and 43 pets. On an animal theme it has also worked with schools, youth groups and care homes to build bird and bat boxes, hedgehog houses and bug hotels.
FINALIST: KWL - Hull
Responding to company values defined by its 460 employees, an environmental group was set up to ensure the construction and maintenance company is on track for Net Zero.
A series of initiatives have been implemented, adding to the maintaining of a Green Level Award for the past five years as part of the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme. It classes KWL as a ‘green leader’.
At the Connaught Road HQ solar panels generate electricity, with demand reduced though LED lighting conversions, while the fleet of vehicles now includes electric and hybrid models, with charging points installed.
On work, reliance on concrete has been reduced, while Roger Gannon, chief operations officer, has completed an environmental qualification and joined the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
The past 12 months have seen a 53 per cent reduction in energy use, with the figure for waste to landfill down to 6 per cent.
Small Business of the Year
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WINNER: Go Hire - Hull
Described as tooled up, clued up, fast and friendly, Sally Wray bought a Hull tool hire business five years ago, partly inspired by her daughter’s reaction to a bedtime story, where she felt a princess should have saved herself.
Moving to new premises, she brought the business into the current era, and 2020 has seen significant investment and growth of 18 per cent, despite more than a quarter of Covid impact.
Record monthly turnover was rung up in July, with significant investment in IT, plant and equipment, including two excavators, a new line for Go Hire.
It has just completed a deal with Caspian Plant Hire to acquire a Grimsby branch, with further plans for another outlet in East Hull.
2021 will see further new lines in plant and powered access equipment, while further expansion into wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire becomes “more of a reality than a dream”.
FINALIST: Kingston Joinery - Melton
The commercial specialist has secured large contracts in cities across the 海角视频, having built a reputation for working on multi-million pound developments in the hotel, education, health and accommodation sectors.
Working across 20 to 25 large contracts at any one time, jobs are managed by a 14-strong team led by Craig O’Leary, with projects often requiring up to 150 sub-contracted joiners.
Recent highlights have included a £2.4 million contract for residential development The Timber Yard in Birmingham; a £1.4 million project in Islington Square, London and the £1.8 million delivery for the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough.
The latter was with Intererve, and at the peak of the pandemic Kingston was tasked to
help convert the NEC in Birmingham into a Nightingale Hospital.
Plans are afoot to launch a specialist timber window systems sister business in the coming months.
FINALIST: Smashed Crab Software - Hull
Tailor-made systems bring benefits beyond management software across many sectors for Smashed Crab clients.
During the pandemic the six year old firm added an eighth team member - in the new role of marketing executive - while working from home, as it pushed on with a strategy to grow turnover by 35 per cent.
It saw how many firms were embracing digital transformation to streamline operations and enable easy remote working.
Two new clients opened new markets in quote management software and music production, while a first international contract was also landed via a first tender win.
This complemented work won with returning clients, with the four directors believing the conscious decision to invest through lockdown has paid dividends.
Turnover has just passed the quarter of a million pound mark, and a target of £700,000 by the end of 2023 has now been fixed, with the recruitment process opening up again.
Medium Business of the Year
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WINNER: Giacom - Hessle
Consistent year-on-year revenue surges saw fast growth recognised regionally at the tech specialist that deals in cloud-based software distribution.
2019 brought a 142 per cent uplift on heady previous figures, as it now closes in on a £50 million turnover.
The model, switched from early dial-up development, sees it connect IT providers to world-class vendors such as Microsoft, helping them deliver the best solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
Giacom prides itself on taking a complex industry and making it clear for partners.
During lockdown it offered free cloud servers and back-up to clients to help save their businesses, widening its technical support to take into account remote working.
Lifeskills and technical development come hand in hand and while pool tables and games consoles had been relaxation tools pre-Covid at Bridge Haven One, activity moved online with virtual quizzes and beer tasting for the 70-strong team.
FINALIST: Brocklesby Ltd - North Cave
£5 million of investment has been poured into the business in 2020 as it saw further double digit growth in the reprocessing and recovery of food oils and fats.
Volumes were up to 41,000 tonnes, up year-on-year from 35,000 tonnes and 31,000 tonnes.
It was achieved against a backdrop of a devastating Christmas Day fire at the plant and the incredible demands placed on the food industry in lockdown.
As part of the rebuild an additional processing capacity of 5,000 sq m was added, future-proofing for further growth. A strong focus on research and development has been brought to the fore, while technological developments have seen a bespoke app and QR scanning technology introduced to aid live data and reduce paperwork.
This year has also seen the management team expanded to welcome Neil Taylor as the new managing director and Iain Jennison as finance director.
FINALIST: Heald Ltd - Hornsea
The hostile vehicle mitigation system manufacturer protects high profile targets from terrorist attacks with a range of patented products.
Proudly manufactured in Britain, 70 per cent of the £4.3 million annual sales are exports.
Particular success has come in the US, where such products historically had to be domestically sourced.
Beale Street, Memphis and the French Quarter in New Orleans have been wins in the past 12 months.
The 50-strong team looks to be one step ahead of both competition and terror threats, and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of Metis Partners’ IP100 League.
This year’s Bridge Bollard solution is tipped to follow Matador, where deep foundations are not a possibility, requiring a surface-mount with the same integrity.
It is now in place at Wembley Stadium, Leicester Square and Sheffield’s The Crucible, with sales increasing 20, 30 and 100 per cent in the past three years.
Large Business of the Year
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WINNER: Soanes Poultry - Middleton-on-the-Wolds
A huge investment programme is already paying back in growth for the fourth generation family business, with sales of £24 million eyed in 2020/2021.
A £3 million uplift, it comes as the near £10 million expansion is completed, increasing capacity by 20 per cent.
State-of-the-art chicken farms have been created with significant improvements in quality, efficiency, output and profit, overseen by a new senior management tier.
It also grows the cereal feed, fuelling biomass power generation with the by-product.
Soanes worked around the clock to deliver to Yorkshire’s independent butchers, farm shops and delis when Covid hit. At the peak of the pandemic a sales uplift of 200 per cent was recorded, with loyalty to shopping locally retaining levels at 100 per cent, prompting a pre-packed chicken range for convenience stores.
Investment in personnel and procedures has seen Soanes retain well, while bringing top quality standards, entering the London market for the first time.
FINALIST: Rockar Digital - South Newbald
Leading in online car retail, driven by its own e-commerce platform, Rockar has put customers back in the driving seat when purchasing.
The concept has been rolled out for Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and a host of dealer groups.
With Jaguar Land Rover alone, Rockar is named Number One Retailer for New Retailer Vehicles in the 海角视频, selling more than 6,000 models. The platform logged 1.6 million visits - with 80 per cent new to the brand.
The user journey adapts to evolving ecommerce buying behaviors, logged daily through its back-end analytics platform.
In 2019, turnover increased by almost 10 per cent to £52.4 million, with profit up 23 per cent to £6.4 million.
The 77-strong team led by Martin Sewell takes pride in delivering the “only e-commerce automotive platform that sells cars in significant volume, providing an extensive, customer-centric data driven environment’ for manufacturers and groups”.
Innovation and Technology Award
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WINNER: Heald Ltd - Hornsea
The Bridge Bollard System from the hostile vehicle mitigation system manufacturer features nine fixed bollards on individual base plates, all bolted together. It is a unique product which requires no pinning and has been crash tested to halt a 7.2-tonne truck travelling at 30mph.
The patent applied technology offers additional protection by anchoring the bollards into the ground upon impact, preventing the vehicle from penetrating the area the bollards are protecting, making it not only the ideal solution for protecting bridges from the risk of vehicle attacks, but also other locations such as inner cities and footways.
Later this year, Heald will announce a further product to add to its range.
IP is massively important to Heald, and not only does it consistently invent new concepts and products, but it also enhances the existing portfolio too, such as the electro-mechanical Matador, allowing faster deployment than the hydraulic original.
FINALIST: Broadcast Radio - Hessle
For almost a quarter of a century it has developed and supported professional software used in the industry globally, helping to plan, produce and deliver output, scheduling songs, jingles and links.
In late 2019 it began developing a remote solution to allow presenters to edit the content for shows via a web browser instead of an application, ramping up significantly in February when the impact of Covid-19 became apparent.
Suspending work on all other development it set about the task, ensuring meaningful content could be provided remotely on a range of platforms, without deep technical knowledge or station infrastructure. The ultimate aim was to allow stations to return to full ‘live’ broadcasts without the need to physically visit the station.
Broadcast Radio also took the commercial decision to offer the service free to existing customers for lockdown, despite considerable development costs of building the solution and the cloud-based platform to host it.
FINALIST: Springfield Solutions - Hull
The brand management specialist’s SASO label is the world’s first full height, digitally printed self-adhesive label that provides seamless, 360 degree coverage for aerosol cans.
Previous printing had relied on flat sheet metal or labels leaving gaps at the top and bottom of the can, with direct printing plagued by long lead times and storage issues.
Developed over four years, SASO is shrunk into the neck and base, avoiding the unsightly gap, minimum orders and warehousing costs. Speed to market and reduced lead times digital print provides mean customers can react quickly to demands, design or regulatory changes.
An extended content Piggy Back SASO label has also been developed, while SASO has embedded Springfield’s SmartPicture App technology which allows brands to connect their labels to the internet using an invisible code hidden within the print.
SASO has delivered 12 per cent revenue growth for the company.
Customer Focus Award
Sponsored by Business Live
WINNER: The One Point - Hessle
The managed technology provider prides itself on its Single Point of Contact service, understanding the importance of customer experience.
It has ‘countless’ processes in place to monitor mood, satisfaction and gather feedback from customers, aware they offer the best insights.
Strategies have been specifically adopted to encourage customer engagement, while training encourages the development of soft and hard skills so customers feel supported and the best service can be provided.
The “high quality responsive service” has been tailored accordingly, “offering the support and flexibility to get the best results for their business”.
Mobile usage reporting has been developed to avoid bill shock, warning of additional spend, leading to high satisfaction levels.
The One Point shares celebrations, charity events and expos with clients, or lays on for them.
The self-developed CRM system also allows clients to use it as a software as a service product on any device.
FINALIST: Cobus Communications - Hull
Aware of the emergence of many new telecoms companies, together with a long-established network provider, Cobus has safeguarded relationships with existing customers.
It was achieved through regular contact and client visits, acting on surveys while complementing this with added value services such as an annual system health-check.
It has secured positive feedback, improved customer service levels and grown sales - using a consultative approach to ensure technology fit - while gathering recommendations.
A key focus within all departments is to ensure retention levels remain high. Importance is put on regular contact with account managers conducting regular and periodic reviews to ensure customers are getting the best from their services; with engineering providing inclusive visits for preventative maintenance, completing audits and offering additional training and system benefits.
Despite a rapid rise in demand, lockdown saw no drop in service level, with praise for the solutions to remote working presented.
Training and Development Award
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WINNER: H&H - Hessle
In less than a decade the company has gone from two people with a bold vision to a 22-strong global consultancy, deliverving internal communications and employee engagement to major brands.
Having trained on an ad-hoc basis as the business emerged, sourcing when a skills gap appeared, it has now overhauled the development model with a positive commitment to ongoing education. H&H partnered with an external HR consultant to create a robust development framework, with input from all.
It now stretches from diplomas, MBAs, and behavioural psychology, to apprenticeships, digital development and equine leadership.
New recruits experience a three-month onboarding process and while qualifications to enhance potential are open-ended - from animation with Disney and Pixar to mental health first aid - free gym membership, desk yoga, guided meditation, coaching and counselling aid wellness. A total of 3,300 hours of personal development have been clocked up, with an enviable 92 per cent pitch win success rate.
FINALIST: MPB Installations Ltd - Beverley
Excellence in competent practices is at the core of the provider of specialised services to the modular and portable building industry.
Led by a highly experienced and qualified team of managers, team leaders and site operatives, it is dedicated to meeting high demand while ensuring compliance with stringent health, safety and environmental requirements.
It is a no compromise attitude, and while budgets may be altered to meet other requirements, MPB has not let this affect the schedules for all operatives from office level to site management.
All have a documented timetable for the year with set training pre-booked in, providing personal and customer assurance of future competencies.
It has even worked with a provider to ensure immediate rescheduling should there be any impact from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Nothing is compromised with the importance always on the development of our internal workforce and health and safety of all, it states.
Contribution to East Riding Award
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WINNER: Hudson Contract - Bridlington
The Bridlington-based firm is the biggest payer of subcontractors in the 海角视频 construction industry.
Founded by chairman David Jackson in 1996, the family-owned company originated the market for secure self-employment in the sector and supplies professional services to more than 2,500 construction SMEs. Last year, revenues increased 8 per cent to £1.38 billion.
It is committed to providing opportunities for young people in seaside communities, through work, sport and arts.
Hudson has sponsored apprentices in the construction supply chain since 2011, paying a weekly £50 wage contribution. More than 150 have now been supported.
It also funds a youth development officer at Bridlington Rugby Union Club, taking the youth set-up from 10 children to 160 in six years.
Through backing Remarkable Arts, music, dance and drama access is provided free. The Young Musician Award is presented annually, with taster workshops, professional development for teenagers and projects for those with special needs.
FINALIST: A&B Healthcare - Bridlington
Facing the liquidation of a national home care provider for whom she managed branches in Bridlington and Hull, Joanne Ayre - with family - launched a new company to take it on.
Welcoming across all 97 staff members, it quickly emerged to provide continuous care for 246 clients.
Launched in three weeks to make the transfer possible, just before Christmas 2018, they feel family values emerge in the business, which has now doubled the office team and branched out into Beverley.
New packages of care are taken on daily, and it has gone from providing 1,997 hours of care a week to 2,616, with plans to expand coverage further.
A first inspection from the CQC saw a good rating awarded, with the aim for outstanding.
Great resilience, determination and solidarity throughout the business saw it weather the pandemic, increasing calls where families couldn’t visit, and setting up PPE collection remote from the office to protect all.
Employee of the Year
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WINNER: Rob Thompson - Go Hire, Hull
The depot manager joined the fast-growth Hull firm in May 2017, leaving a national firm where he had worked for almost two decades to secure a management role.
Rob quickly identified what equipment the company needed to invest in, to improve the customer offer in the areas that could do better than local competition - ensuring outstanding service was at the fore.
Working with clients when required out of hours, covering repairs and helping advise on the right tools for jobs, saw turnover more than double in his first year.
He was named in the top three of a national industry event, and his injection of an energy and a level of professionalism has been welcomed, with management training and health and safety at the fore in new internal processes he has introduced.
Owner Sally Wray said he has created jobs, generated revenue, improved the customer offer and embedded high standards.
FINALIST: David Kennedy - Pure Renewables, Hull
Described as being instrumental in the growth of the company, since joining in April 2019, he is now “very much on the bridge” of the business as it plays a key role in tackling climate change.
Appointed as technical operations manager, David had previously delivered multi-million pound heating solutions in the horticultural sector, and his abilities have recently seen him elevated to director level.
His calm and focused presence has been attributed to helping maximise the potential of staff around him, as he implemented training programmes, while helping restructure and appoint a further nine employees, re-organising project delivery and making systems more efficient.
His technical knowledge has been highlighted by power purchase agreement funders, large scale businesses and mechanical and engineering organisations, aiding the development of strong relationships, with one major European heat pump systems manufacturer making Pure its 海角视频 preferred partner.
He has added an MBA and Top 30 Under 30 recognition.
FINALIST: Charles Weeks - Iguana Developments, Hull
Three years on from joining his brother in Hull and being offered a job with landlord Jason Coleman at Yupelet, he is now managing the young professionals-focussed letting agency while overseeing the marketing function of sister company Iguana - a business that has invested £42 million into the city centre.
He conducts viewings and helps tenants get to know Hull, while working with the creative industries to produce marketing materials befitting the developments they promote.
Charles is heavily involved in the sales at Liberty House and The Glass House, working with investors, while undertaking a RICS-accredited Real Estate Management degree.
He is also part of the leadership team of Hull Young Professionals Network.
Mr Coleman describes him as ‘an invaluable member of the team’ underlining his ability and responsibility in a variety of roles, his flexibility and enthusiasm as a ‘shining example of a young professional of his generation’.
Start-Up Business of the Year
Sponsored by and
WINNER: A&B Healthcare Ltd - Bridlington
Facing the liquidation of a national home care provider for whom she managed branches in Bridlington and Hull, Joanne Ayre - with family - launched a new company to take it on.
Welcoming across all 97 staff members, it quickly emerged to provide continuous care for 246 clients.
Launched in three weeks to make the transfer possible, just before Christmas 2018, they feel family values emerge in the business, which has now doubled the office team and branched out into Beverley.
New packages of care are taken on daily, and it has gone from providing 1,997 hours of care a week to 2,616, with plans to expand coverage further.
A first inspection from the CQC saw a good rating awarded, with the aim for outstanding.
Great resilience, determination and solidarity throughout the business saw it weather the pandemic, increasing calls where families couldn’t visit, and setting up PPE collection remote from the office to protect all.
FINALIST: Instamod Group - Hull
The consultancy and support services business to the off-site construction sector was formed when the three directors were made redundant from their roles last summer.
Instead of seeking employment elsewhere, they pooled their collective 65-year experience in modular building and launched with two joiners.
Now they employ a team of 25, and are on target for a £1 million turnover in the first year of trading.
Contracts with companies working in the healthcare sector saw it continue to operate through the pandemic, with pride in the new workforce for keeping going through a huge unknown.
Offering support with design and manufacturing start-up, through to modular building installation, relocation and refurbishment, it initially launched with Management and Site Services divisions.
Instamod has recently introduced a third element, mechanical and electrical services.
It is now considering plans to become a modular building supplier with a specialism in education.
FINALIST: Temptation - Hull
Hull’s first cashless, self service restaurant and bar was established in December 2019 at St Stephens.
Themed on a sensory overload of “great burgers, Americana and Eighties electronica” it offers beer fridges and taps - featuring Brew York, Northern Monk & North Brewing Co’s beverages.
The idea was to create a 21st century business, furthering the diversity of the city centre offer.
Operating through QR scanning on smartphones, customer service is key, with queues removed with the emphasis placed on the individual, with the brand’s strong personality-packed identity shining through in the marketing and make-over.
Having barely begun, lockdown struck, and Temptation flipped the fledgling model to takeaway.
Unable to furlough and ineligible for government grants, it survived the pandemic, creating four jobs while also linking up with Peaky Blinder Bar in Scunthorpe with a pop-up kitchen.
Further growth is eyed throughout Lincolnshire with another venue in mind but currently under wraps.
Special Recognition Award
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