Global hygiene brand Reckitt and feed fat producer Adams and Green both completed accolade doubles at the Hull Live Business Awards.
While one launched almost 200 years ago, the other has a strong decade under its belt, having operated largely under the radar serving a key sector for British farming.
Reckitt took the Global Britain and Innovation categories, having been a halo brand used during the pandemic, while constantly advancing.
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Neil Hudgell in his own words - Outstanding Contribution winner
Bruce Charlesworth, chief medical officer and Hull research and development site lead, was delighted with the local recognition. He said: “We are all about innovation, innovation is core. Superiority in our products in the pursuit of a clean, healthier world is what we're all about, so doing things for consumers where we can drive superiority is key.
“We presented about how we innovate in our factory, how we innovate in research and development, but also how we’re just an innovative organisation with our processes, systems and how we work. We have a legacy since 1840 and I’m very proud to be carrying on that legacy on behalf of the Reckitt family and Isaac Reckitt who formed it in 1840.”
And he told how reverting back from RB to Reckitt was a proud moment in the very recent history, putting the name back out to the world. “I think returning to Reckitt was absolutely in our hearts,” he said. “The Reckitt family was a family of Quakers, all about giving back, and the legacy we leave in the city. I think as a global organisation of 45,000 people, it is very much a case that our home, our heart, is in Hull, which is a phenomenal thing to be proud of.”
Adams and Green was set up by Rob Brocklesby as a side to the second generation waste oils firm that bore the family name, when the feed market dropped off. It moved into higher quality imports, and was retained when the original business was sold.
Revenues have grown from an initial £5 million to between £60 million and £70 million, with 25 people, a dedicated laboratory, two tank farms and a 15-truck fleet, operating seven days a week. Judges were so impressed with the statistics, it was crowned both growth champion and overall Business of the Year categories.
Mr Brocklesby said: “I’m absolutely made up. And made up for the people around me and what it means to them. It is a team and a business that has achieved great things.”
Endorsing Outstanding Contribution winner Neil Hudgell’s words in his acceptance speech, Mr Brocklesby said: “I have to thank my father, who gave me a very strong basis, a work ethic, integrity and honesty, and just keep going. They are really true core beliefs and needs to succeed in business.”
It now supplies feed compounders, farms, pet food manufacturers and feed merchants, and is eyeing up more - with Scotland’s salmon sector one potential market.
