HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito has praised member businesses for building partnerships based on resilience and renewal in the face of continuing challenges.
Speaking at the organisation’s annual awards night she said the combination of adaptability and unity would enable businesses to emerge stronger and maximise the opportunities to come during a year of positive change.
She highlighted the setting up of a combined authority for Hull and East Yorkshire as a significant development which HullBID was determined to exploit, adding that the £65m Hull Maritime project was already bringing benefits as people make plans to enjoy the region’s biggest event since the UK City of Culture celebrations of 2017.
She warned of the need for caution arising from the impact of rising costs and changes in consumer preferences, noting concerns around delays in completing the Castle Street roadworks and over continuing outbreaks of retail crime and antisocial behaviour, but she told how HullBID was leading the fight for improvements.
“The election of a regional mayor will bring new opportunities for business and new investment. We look forward to working with the successful candidate but, as we do with all our partners, we will challenge the new mayor to make sure they understand the importance of a thriving city centre to the regional economy, the value of collaboration at every level and the ongoing need for innovation – and of course funding!”
Kathryn said local independent businesses are responding positively, and she vowed that HullBID would support them every step of the way. “Independent developers continue to back Hull city centre and its future. The confidence of people who really get the ambitions of the city is clear as they are investing their own cash.
“As our members adapt and endure the challenges HullBID has to step up too and provide even greater value. We’re not just a helping hand with security and cleaning issues. We give guidance and support to new businesses. We compile data and write reports to attract investment.
“We are a conduit pulling together responses from our community on issues that matter, and we make our mark by shouting loudly and championing the voices of city businesses about local issues.”
