Hull in print

Question: what do a rock star and a supermodel have in common?
Answer: they were in Hull last month to inspire business leaders from across the region.
Sir Bob Geldof, the former Boomtown Rats singer, organiser of Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985, and holder of a Nobel Man of Peace award for his ceaseless campaigning against third world famine and debt, was the keynote speaker at the Yorkshire International Business Convention.
And supporting him at the convention, at the Gemtec Arena, was Australian supermodel, actress and businesswoman Elle Macpherson.
The week featured a range of motivational events, from speakers and seminars to breakfast clubs and advice for youth enterprises - all to boost business confidence.
Hull Business Week may only be once a year, but enterprises large and small, from florists to major employers have a year-round way to boost business confidence and help shape the future of the city, through the Humber Business Forum.

Rapidly changing

Suggesting ways to improve traffic flow along Castle Street and promote skills training are just some of the issues discussed by the forum.
A total of 700 local companies have joined so far and they can share their views with ONE HULL, the city's local strategic partnership which brings together the council and other public, private, community and voluntary organisations who are working together to improve quality of life in the city.
The forum hosts open meetings for businesses with presentations, discussions and debates.
It also works closely with the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors to ensure businesses play a full and positive role in the city's development.
"Hull is changing rapidly and the need for engagement from the local business community is more important than ever," says Tony Cosgrove, chair of the forum and managing director of a tool company.
"Local planners and regeneration agencies need to know what businesses think and the forum is a way to tell them.
"It's free to join and a great opportunity to have a say on the regeneration of Hull."

Bob's 'boomtown' message

'Sir Bob' Geldof makes an impact wherever he goes.
Whether it's performing to a crowd at a rock concert, or getting in the face of prime ministers to highlight the issue of third world hunger, he gets a passionate message across.
And his message to the region's business leaders was just as clear when he accepted their invitation to speak in Hull at the Yorkshire International Business Convention.
He said it's in the city's hands to be a success.
"If you take, as an example, the triumph of the mighty tigers, a football team with scant resources who made it to the top league, the Premiership, then there's nothing stopping this city." he said.
Sir Bob has been a regular visitor to Hull over the years and performed with The Boomtown Rats at Hull New Theatre.
He said he has taken pleasure in watching the city's regeneration and growth in confidence.
"I am no expert on the place but we kept coming back as a band because I wanted to come back, I like it here.
"I understand how you were bombed and wiped out in the Second World War, that you've had high levels of unemployment, and that you felt betrayed when the fishing industry was decimated.
"But all of you at this convention are the entrepreneurs who make Hull grow.
"To change as a city you'll need a shared sense of pride and to make it a group effort, but if local business has the commitment to go for it, then you can make it just like your football team."

George Foreman

Fighting spirit

Meanwhile, former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, who is now a successful businessman in his own right, urged local businesses to never give in.
"I learned in my sporting career that if you get up every time you're hit and fight back that is the way to victory.
"It's true in all aspects of life, you must fight back, and it applies to people, businesses, and even entire cities like Hull." Other highlights of the week included jewellery entrepreneur Gerald Ratner who spoke of his experiences in business and former Royal Marine commando and UN Peacekeeper Major Phil Ashby who told of his daring escape from armed rebels in Sierra Leone.

info

For more information on Hull Business Week please visit www.bizweek.biz and for more information on the Hull Business Forum visit www.hullbusinessforum.com


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