Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards 2026: FEO steps up to back bolder business

This year, FEO is playing a bigger role than ever in helping share the future success of the awards

At the heart of that story is Beverley Leisure Homes managing director David Hall. After a standout night at last year’s silver anniversary gala, where he was named Entrepreneur of the Year and Beverley Leisure Homes took Small Business of the Year, David has since stepped into the role of chair at FEO, headline partner for the awards.

From winner to chair

For David, that journey from winner to chair underlines why this partnership makes sense. He explains: “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.”

The awards themselves are led by talent entrepreneur Simon Jones, the driving force behind the Top 30 Under 30 programme, alongside events specialist Jane Smallwood. He’s now preparing for his third edition of the awards, and the 26th since they were first launched by the Hull Daily Mail. Momentum is clearly building: last year saw a 45 per cent increase in entries across the 12 categories.

Changed view

David is the first to admit that winning changed his view of what awards can do for a business.

“I didn’t realise quite how important these events were, for the business and for the team,” he says. “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.”

That experience feeds directly into FEO’s commitment to stay involved and encourage more local entrepreneurs and leaders to put themselves forward.

Backing Bold Businesses in Tough Times

For 2026, three major new partners – BAE Systems, H&H Comms and Siemens Gamesa – have also joined the existing backers, underlining the importance of the awards as a regional platform.

Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are now being invited to step up, share their stories and “elevate themselves” by entering.

Reflecting on last year’s progress, Simon Jones says: “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.”

For FEO members, that message will feel familiar. The awards offer a chance to raise profile, motivate teams, attract talent and demonstrate what entrepreneurial leadership looks like in practice – especially when trading conditions are tough.

How to Get Involved

Entries for the 2026 Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards are now open, with the entry window closing on 18 September. The gala celebration will take place on Thursday 19 November at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Hull.

Full details of how to enter and the criteria for each category can be found at HERE.

This year’s accolades include:

• 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