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Friday, 27th February 2026 | DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull

The HullBID Awards are back! Recognising and rewarding local businesses for their resilience, innovation and creativity in contributing to make Hull city centre a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Now in their 12th year, the awards continue to grow bigger and better every year. After welcoming more than 340 guests in 2025 the 2026 awards promise to be the best yet! It’s an evening not to be missed. With a delicious three course meal with wine, followed by live music and dancing to The Contraband, you can also join us for the after-party at the Lexington Rooftop Bar.

We hope to see you there!

Additional tickets are available at £48 + VAT. Please contact francesca@hullbid.co.uk

THE CATEGORIES

You are welcome to enter multiple categories but a separate form must be completed for each. The
examples provided for each category are not exclusive. Entries must be for businesses located within
the Hull Business Improvement District only.

1. INNOVATION AWARD - SPONSORED BY AA GLOBAL

This Award recognises an innovative business/organisation that has conceived, developed and delivered new products, services or processes to progress their business. This could be:

  • Introducing new technology, e.g. an app
  • Diversified your product range
  • Developed new innovative branding
  • Adapted the marketing of your business

2. BEST PLACE TO WORK AWARD - SPONSORED BY ST STEPHENS

This Award recognises a business/organisation committed to developing talent with career opportunities available to all. This could be:

  • Clear focus on diversity and inclusion
  • Training and apprenticeship opportunities for all
  • Prioritise existing employees for workplace progression
  • Being a flexible employer

3. LONGEVITY AWARD - SPONSORED BY HAYS TRAVEL

This Award recognises a business/organisation over 10 years old that has adapted, survived and thrived to stay ahead of competitors, for example:

  • Can demonstrate financial stability over an extended period
  • Delivered innovative and customer-centric products, earning a loyal customer base
  • Business has remained one of its kind in Hull city centre
  • Retained the best talent over a sustained period through stability

4. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD - SPONSORED BY POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER (OPCC)

An Award to recognise actions by a business/organisation that has significantly made a difference to an individual/community, going over and above the scope of their day to day operations.

  • Raising funds for a designated charity
  • Being instrumental in pulling the business community together
  • Introducing after-school clubs or social events for children
  • Examples of utilising personal time to help support a charity
  • Helping the homeless and those in need

5. THE BEST IN FOOD & DRINK AWARD - SPONSORED BY HULL TRAINS

Recognition for an outstanding business/organisation that strives to deliver exciting and unique food and drink concepts.

  • Introducing a cuisine that is new to the city centre
  • Introducing unique drink experiences
  • Diversifying usual hours of trade to introduce new initiatives e.g. bottomless brunch
  • Introducing new and exciting entertainment concepts to increase trade

6. MOST STYLISH / WELCOMING PREMISES AWARD - SPONSORED BY HULL CITY COUNCIL

This Award is for the most creative shop window or stylish office space, welcoming waiting area, or any other aspect that makes your premises stand out for all the right reasons. This could include:

  • A unique window design or display
  • A child-friendly waiting area
  • Appealing break-out areas for staff
  • Office premises with an unusual and appealing theme

7. CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD - SPONSORED BY HSBC

This Award recognises a business/organisation that can demonstrate excellent customer service, going above and beyond the call of duty.

  • Provide e.g.’s of written customer letters/emails
  • Number of positive comments on social media
  • Providing specific accounts of helping a customer/s going above and beyond
  • Practices put in place that competitors don’t offer to enhance customer experience

8. COMMITMENT TO HEALTH & WELLBEING AWARD - SPONSORED BY SEGAL’S JEWELLERS

This Award is for those businesses/organisations who have implemented initiatives that support the wellbeing of their employees or their customers.

  • 1-2-1 mentoring
  • Introducing ‘quiet’ areas for customers with special needs
  • Introducing exercise classes or team outdoor pursuits for employees
  • Providing additional equipment e.g. defibrillator
  • Introducing wellbeing initiatives

9. OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE OR TEAM - SPONSORED BY EAST YORKSHIRE BUSES

Awarded to a shining star or top-notch team, who are applauded by their peers and have shown superb focus, commitment and dedication to their role and to the business.

  • Identifying and implementing a unique way to grow profits
  • Going above and beyond the normal scope of work
  • Introducing successful team building initiatives
  • Introducing innovative recognition schemes

10. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD - SPONSORED BY KFM RECRUITMENT

Recognition for an individual/business/organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the continued success of Hull city centre.

  • A business/organisation that has achieved longevity
  • A business/organisation that has put Hull on the map regionally/nationally
  • A business/organisation that has increased visitor numbers
  • A business/organisation that has invested substantially to grow resident numbers in the city centre

Headline Sponsor

Category Sponsors

Reception Drinks Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Specialist Lighting & Table Decoration Sponsor

After Party Sponsor

Programme Sponsor

Design Sponsor

Production Partner

Music Sponsor