Is this Northern port city Britain's most enterprising place?

You might be a little surprised, but the City of Hull has been named the most Enterprising Place in Britain by the Enterprising Britain Awards.

This is for its recognition of its successful four-year programme to help local businesses grow. The awards are part of the government’s scheme to support entrepreneurs in the UK, and celebrate the work of public sector and government-backed organisations.

This year’s other winners included North Tyneside Council in the ‘Startup Spirit’ category, and Hatch Enterprise Incubator for ‘Building Enterprise Skills’. Hull’s award was previously held by Birmingham.

Small business minister, Margot James, commented: “The Enterprising Britain Awards are a fantastic reminder of what can be achieved when we bring together local knowledge and leadership to provide targeted support to entrepreneurs and innovative businesses they build.

“I want to congratulate Hull on being named the most enterprising place in the UK. Small businesses are vital to our economy, and Hull is a great example of how the right support can have a huge effect on helping them to start and grow.”

The City Plan for Hull programme ranged from supporting innovative pilot projects to driving multi-million pound investments into the city from partners across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors.

Councillor Martin Mancey said: “I am absolutely delighted that Hull has been recognised as the most enterprising place in Britain…

“Over the last five years the council and its many partners in the business world, local community and the government have worked to increase the City’s profile which in turn has seen us secure major investment in the city.”

Coming in the same year as being the City of Culture, this recognition is another step forward from the government in making the UK’s smaller cities and towns thrive with their businesses. What do you think?

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