Hull City Council has appointed Hessle-based civil engineering firm C.R. Reynolds to continue the extensive refurbishment of Queens Gardens, the city centre’s most iconic green space. With phase one well under way, the project is now poised to transition into phase two, which will address key safety concerns by rebuilding the north and east boundary walls. In addition, phase two will focus on improving accessibility with the installation of new ramps and steps, alongside the introduction of sustainable tree planting, new lighting, and street furniture. Bespoke artwork and enhancements to both soft and hard landscaping will contribute to creating a more welcoming and functional public space. Queens Gardens, at the heart of Hull, holds significant historical importance and has long been a cherished space for residents and visitors. It will provide a vital link between the Maritime Museum and North End Shipyard, the new home of the Arctic Corsair. Its condition has deteriorated in recent years, leading to large sections being closed off for safety reasons. The council recognises the need for a sensitive restoration that respects the gardens’ heritage while providing modern amenities for the community. The project aims to revitalise the gardens as a vital public space that can host major events while preserving the unique character of this beloved area. Improvements will ensure the gardens are more accessible, visually striking, and environmentally sustainable, further enhancing Hull’s city centre. Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The transformation of Queens Gardens is a key part of our vision for a vibrant and sustainable city centre. This space holds a special place in the hearts of Hull’s residents, and it’s vital that we balance its historical significance with the need for modern improvements. “We are confident that C.R. Reynolds will deliver a project that not only enhances the usability of Queens Gardens but also respects its heritage. This phase of work is another important step in creating a space that Hull can be proud of for generations to come.”

St Helen’s Farm, the goat’s milk producer, has extended its ‘Goodness Grants’ funding pot, to donate almost £17,000 to good causes across the country. The family-run business, based near York, had initially launched the CSR initiative with a £10,000 total grant pot, encouraging not-for-profit organisations and registered charities to apply for funds of up to £5,000 to support projects which are doing good in their local communities. However, following a review of the applications, the goat’s milk producer decided to extend its funding – and has now donated £17,000 to five different charities. The charities include Made-Well near Exeter, which provides experiences for those living with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and loneliness, and Stepping Stones Project in Castle Douglas, whose mission is to ease food poverty and create food dignity by maintaining a “Larder Open to All.” The grant for the Stepping Stones Project will be used to provide “Kitchen Starter Packs” for those who have been given their own house, but who need support starting out with kitchen basics. The packs will include appliances such as slow cookers and air fryers, to help with cost-effective cooking, as well as kitchen utensils and supermarket gift cards. Meanwhile the funding for Made-Well will be utilised to resurfacing its inclusive children’s play area, to offer better access for all. Bill Randles, Managing Director at St Helen’s Farm, said: “When we originally launched our Goodness Grants initiative, we pledged to giveaway £10,000 to good causes. However, while reviewing the applications, we were blown away by some of the work being done across the UK – so we made the decision to increase our funding pot, to allow us to fund projects by five different charities. “These projects really will deliver ‘goodness’ for their local communities, and we’re pleased to be able to play a role in helping to bring them to life!” The ‘Goodness Grants’ initiative follows St Helen’s Farm’s CSR work last year which saw it raise over £28,000 for UK charity, Hope for Justice – which works to end modern slavery across the UK. The five charities receiving funds through the ‘Goodness Grants’ are: Stepping Stones Community Larder and Foodbank, Made-Well, Tremorfa Nursery, Ffrindiau Ysgol Pennant, and Hapurhey Neighbourhood Project.

11 inspirational women were recognised and celebrated at the 2024 Women in Business Women of Achievement Awards, which took place on Friday (15 November). One of the region’s longest running awards, the biennial awards celebrate the achievements of businesswomen across Hull and East Yorkshire who either run their own business or are excelling in their profession, industry, organisation or charity. Held at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel in Willerby, the awards were compered by former ITV Calendar News reporter Fiona Dwyer and guests were joined by one of Britain’s most iconic writers, producers and television producers, Janet Street-Porter CBE, as this year’s guest speaker. Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber, was announced as the winner of the Overall Woman of Achievement Award, which was sponsored by Smailes Goldie Chartered Accountants. An innovative, passionate and visionary leader, Diana has made notable contributions to promote the Humber locally, nationally and beyond. As well as this, she inspires others to achieve, making significant contributions in what can sometimes still be seen as ‘a man’s world’. Caroline Neadley, chair of Women in Business Hull, said: “At each Women of Achievement Awards, we’re blown away by the amazing accomplishments of the brilliant women in our region. And this year was certainly no different. “With a room full of 400 guests, there was a real sense of pride and comradery, with those in attendance celebrating friends, family and colleagues. I’d particularly like to thank the Women in Business committee, this year’s award sponsors, and of course all of the nominees.” Winners also included Sue Perkins, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work building a number of successful businesses that have enabled hundreds of people to realise their career potential. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, won the Outstanding Impact Award for reshaping the future for countless families of seafarers facing crises such as bereavement, illness or family breakdown. Michelle Taft from the John Good Group was selected for this year’s Judges Award for her dedication to empowering women, driving social impact and championing inclusivity, whilst overseeing a huge growth in funding support by the Matthew Good Foundation. Dawn Sullivan, co-founder of HU4 Community Trust, won the Voluntary Award for helping to fill a huge void in facilities and community spaces for local residents, providing invaluable support to improve their lives. Caroline continued: “Our guest speaker, Janet Street-Porter, was all we hoped for and more, and it was great to hear stories and anecdotes from her expansive media career. “After commenting that she was honoured to be speaking to a room full of so many successful career women, Janet emphasised the importance of trusting and supporting each other, and promoting other women’s talents. “As she said: ‘Successful career women don’t get where they are by luck – gamblers are lucky, not hard-working women’. “We also raised over £4,600 for our chosen charity, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, which is incredible.”   Women in Business Women of Achievement Award winners:  New Business Award, sponsored by Sparq Gemma Wardell, founder and owner of Human Brilliance Established Business Award, sponsored by NL Group Emma Dallimore, CEO at Hull & East Yorkshire Mind Voluntary Award, sponsored by Jadan Press Dawn Sullivan, co-founder of HU4 Community Trust Apprentice/Trainee Award, sponsored by Bishop Burton College Chloe Hammond, head of finance at NL Group Women in STEM Award, sponsored by Ansell Julie Shave, tutor and assessor at HESTA Female Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Lexus Hull Vicky Simpson, founder and owner of VCare24 Women Breaking Boundaries Award, sponsored by MKM Building Supplies Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Pace Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by The One Point Sue Perkins, owner of Crancher Ltd Judges Award Michelle Taft, executive director at Matthew Good Foundation and non executive director at John Good Group Overall Women of Achievement Award, sponsored by Smailes Goldie Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber