Wendy
5/16/2025 8:09:46 AM
4 mins read
Three established figures from the region’s business networks will step up to highlight their corporate and community connections when they mark the 10th anniversary of the HullBID Inspiring People dinner as part of Humber Business Week.
Vicky Peat has seen the event as an opportunity to announce the arrival of her new city centre business, SmartView Accountants, by sponsoring the dinner at the Holiday Inn Hull Marina on Wednesday 4 June.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, said: “This year brings a significant milestone of 10 years since we launched the event as Inspiring Women with three fantastic speakers – our former HullBID Chair Victoria Jackson MBE, the former Biz Week Chair Kath Lavery, and the Chair of Hull UK City of Culture Rosie Millard!
“Since then we’ve been to various venues, we’ve tweaked the format and we’ve changed the title but a constant has been the calibre of the speakers. This year we’ve got another great line-up of people who are very well known in the regional business community.
“We’re also delighted and very grateful to have the support of SmartView Accountants – a new city centre business – as headline sponsor, and of one of our big names KCOM, whose sponsorship of AV, table decor and specialist lighting reflects the technological advances we have made over the years!”
The speakers at the dinner will be Caroline Neadley, Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, Jamie Lewis, CEO of the HEY Smile Foundation, and Simon Jones, Founder of Top 30 under 30, owner of HEY Business Awards and Managing Director of Identify.
Caroline will talk about how growing up in Hull and raising her own family here sparked her passion to advocate for the region’s success through her 16-year tenure as a committee member of Women in Business Hull and by working with young children to help raise their aspirations and opportunities. Caroline will also share what inspired her to embark on a career in law and her journey to become a partner at a major regional law firm.
Jamie, who is also Chair of Hull Street Angels and Vice President of Hull Youth Bank, will talk about how he grew up in the care system and experienced first-hand the harsh realities of poverty and the challenges this brings. He then embarked on a 20-year journey of sustained public and voluntary service which instilled a deep understanding of complex social issues and fuelled his determination to create a better future, not only for himself but also for others.
Simon will speak about his Hull background, his passion for sport and how it shaped him as a person, and his preference for wearing a three-piece suit. He will also talk about the circumstances behind his use of a hearing aid and the lasting impact which has resulted. Simon also plans to deliver some upbeat messages about his hopes and vision for the future of the region and the importance of nurturing young talent.
Event sponsor Vicky, who built up more than 16 years’ of experience with other firms in Hull before launching SmartView Accountants in March, said the dinner resonates with her personal and business values of inspiration, growth and community impact.
Vicky said: “It’s a brilliant celebration of those making a difference in our communities and industries. After many years of building a strong professional reputation working for others, launching my own business has been an exciting step. This event is a great way to raise awareness of what we do, connect with like-minded professionals, and give back to a network that’s supported me throughout my career.”
Jan Collins, Managing Director, KCOM Enterprise, said: “At KCOM we’re all about empowering people, communities and business so it’s fantastic to be part of this Inspiring People event. Hull BID and Humber Business Week do brilliant work raising the profile of our region and creating opportunities for those who live and work here, so it’s great to be partnering with them once again.”
The HullBID Inspiring People dinner will take place at the Holiday Inn Hull Marina from 6pm until 10pm on Wednesday 4 June.
