When we talk about the strength of community, we’re not just saying it – we’ve lived it. The Hull Business Expo 2025 was a real-life example of how, when people come together with grit, humour and heart, even the most unexpected challenges can’t stop progress.
Months of planning for one unforgettable day
After tons of preparation, early meetings, checklists and countless phone calls, the big day was finally here. We left the house at 6am, buzzing with excitement and ready to welcome 99 brilliant exhibitors to Princes Quay for our biggest event of the year. But then came a twist that no amount of planning could have prepared us for.
An unexpected obstacle
It turned out that in the early hours of the morning, a man had taken up residence on the roof of a nearby hotel. For safety reasons, police cordoned off much of Hull city centre, including Princes Quay. With roads closed and venue access blocked, the entire day hung in the balance. No vehicle access. No exhibitor drop-offs. No idea what was going to happen next.
Nothing stops our local businesses
We sent out an urgent message across social media to update our community, and what happened next was nothing short of incredible. Despite the chaos, the roadblocks and the confusing diversions, our exhibitors did everything in their power to show up.
People discovered car parks they never knew existed. Some parked on housing estates. Others trekked for what felt like miles, dragging banners, boxes and branded giveaways through police cordons. Some of you even made the journey twice!
Working together as one
By 10:15am, just 15 minutes after the event officially opened, all but one stand was set up and ready to go. The energy in the room was electric. You could feel the determination, the positivity and, most of all, the unwavering community spirit that defines the Hull and East Yorkshire business scene. It would’ve been easy to turn around and go home, but you didn’t. And because of that, The Hull Business Expo was a roaring success.
A huge thank you
We’d like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all of the exhibitors and visitors who went above and beyond to make the Hull Business Expo happen. From gridlocked traffic to the longest of walks, you made it work and we’re extremely grateful.
Special thanks go to:
People make it possible
If we didn’t have such strong relationships with our members and the wider business community, we truly believe this event wouldn’t have happened. But it did, and all because of you. That’s what The Business Culture Hull is all about!
Thank you so much for bringing the Hull and East Yorkshire can-do attitude to this year’s Hull Business Expo. Let’s hope that next year’s event runs a little more smoothly.
Tony and Michelle Bowler
