The Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are back for 2026, with a double award winner from last year's silver anniversary spectacular now helping shape its future success. Since an emphatic evening at the gala celebration in November, Beverley Leisure Homes managing director David Hall has been elected as chair of headline partner For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO), the Hull-based leadership support organisation.
The royally-recognised group joined forces with talent entrepreneur Simon Jones and events specialist Jane Smallwood in 2025, with Mr Hall now committing the past Queen's Award winner for the long term. He said: "FEO should be associated with the biggest events as we are one of the biggest business organisations out there. Simon has really given it a different feel, injecting his youthful enthusiasm, so it is good for FEO to ensure that support is there. I see it as a long-term relationship between FEO and Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards, and as a partnership we're learning together. There's a drive from both organisations to make what they do better each year."
Mr Jones, who is behind the acclaimed Top 30 Under 30 programme, is preparing for the third edition of the awards under his watch, and the 26th since it was launched by the Hull Daily Mail. Last year saw a 45% increase in entries across the 12 categories. The winning experience has fired up Mr Hall when it comes to the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards, having been named Entrepreneur of the Year while his Beverley Leisure Homes company was recognised as Small Business of the Year. He said: "I didn't realise quite how important these events were, for the business and for the team. We spend so much time in an industry bubble, where we're quite well known, but we were all inspired by what we saw from the local business community. To win was fantastic for the business too. The awards sit next to our signing-in book in our reception, so whether it is a couple coming to look at a new lodge or someone selling insurance, they know we have won. They are great talking points, and with the industry having been in quite a negative place over the past few years, to have such a positive story is a refreshing change for us. It was a focal point for the business year."
Three major new partners are also on board for 2026, with BAE Systems, H&H Comms and Siemens Gamesa joining the existing backers. Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are now being invited to elevate themselves in such a manner, with entries for 2026 now open. Mr Jones said: "It was a big step forward last year. We are building confidence in the awards, and we need to celebrate and provide that platform. It is more important than ever, that we celebrate success as a business community. We are all facing challenges, we all know it is not easy out there, that's why good news, making a difference and growing and trying things against the tide is really something to shout about. We need to showcase what is possible in difficult times. It is easy to say 'not now' when things are tough, it gives us excuses for not doing things and not being bold. We need more people to be bold and brave, not less."
The entry window closes on September 18, with the gala celebration on November 19 at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull. Full details of how to enter and the criteria for each category can be found on the website - www.heybusinessawards.co.uk. This year's award categories are: 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, and Rising Star.
