The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are back, and in new hands.

Launched by the Hull Daily Mail almost a quarter of a century ago, quickly becoming one of the hottest tickets in the city, the annual event has now been taken on by Top 30 Under 30 founder Simon Jones. The Hessle-based entrepreneur is working with Jane Smallwood, who organised the event in her previous role for Mail publisher Reach Plc. Reach remains involved as principal media partner.

Returning with a major refresh, 2024’s event will take the best of the glitz and glamour that made the occasion a business calendar highlight, while also factoring in opportunity for winners to further their aspirations and build on success following their crowning moment. It is a move that will set it apart from other awards events, with sponsors and partners playing an active part in the future development of the successful entrants.

Read more : work starts on new Hull R&D centre

Go here for more Humber business news

Simon, who heads up recruitment agency Identify and has recently branched out with Top 30, launching in West Yorkshire following seven years of growth on the Humber, said: “I have been a huge ambassador for the awards since launching my own business, and was honoured to be invited onto the judging panel in recent years.”

The 2024 event will take place at Hull’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Thursday, November 21. This year there will be a dozen awards presented, with entries now open. A deadline of September 29 has been set. Packages of support tailored to the individual category are also being sourced by the team for the winners.



Jane Smallwood and Simon Jones, Hull Business Awards
Jane Smallwood and Simon Jones, Hull Business Awards

A new dedicated website – www.heybusinessawards.co.uk – has been launched to guide potential nominees sponsors and partners towards the gala dinner, with full entry criteria.

Jane, who recently delivered the 2024 Humber Renewables Awards for Humber Marine & Renewables, said: “Now we’re settled and focused on what we want to achieve with the event, I’m looking forward to seeing the stories of success emerge as nominations are made, while ensuring the best possible start to a new era. There really isn’t anything quite like the atmosphere of a room bursting with pride, and celebrating our winners for a 24th year will bring that back again.”

Connexin is confirmed as headline partner, with Bondholders, C3 Group, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, For Entrepreneurs Only, Fred Marketing, GW Power-Safe, Horncastle Group, Hull City Council, MKM, University of Hull and Sewell Group also on board.

For further information visit www.heybusinessawards.co.uk

This year’s awards are:

  • Outstanding Contribution / Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Start-Up Business of the Year (Less than two years old)
  • Small Business of the Year (Less than 50 employees)
  • Best Place to Work
  • Environmental &
    Sustainability Award
  • Charity of the Year
  • Innovation Award
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Team of the Year
  • Large Business of the Year
  • Growth Award
  • Rising Star

Full details of how to enter, visit www.heybusinessawards.co.uk