A networking group that helps to support and retain young talent in Hull’s business community, grew during the lockdown and now has more than 400 members.
The Hull Young Professionals (HYP) group is going from strength to strength, predominantly through word of mouth, for those living and working in Hull in the Legal, Finance, Property and Marketing sectors.
As many young professionals continue working from home, networking is more important than ever before; to engage, socialise and create personal contacts in business.
Local employers support HYP through sponsorship, recognising the value of supporting young professionals. This means HYP is completely free for members to join and to network with like-minded individuals, as well as socialise and even house share.
Charles Weeks, Chairman of HYP explains:
“For anyone new to the area, networking can feel like a daunting prospect. So our events held exclusively for young professionals feel more like a social occasion, allowing members to make professional and personal contacts.
“I arrived in Hull 3 years ago to start my surveying career and joining HYP was one of the best decisions I made. For myself and lots of our members, it is as much about having fun as it is building business relationships and developing career opportunities.
“As a newcomer to Hull, HYP has created a community for me and many of us have become great friends.
“I know from personal experience that Hull is a place where people relocate for work and often stay, forever. Recent figures from The University of Hull showed that 62 percent of graduates find employment and remain in the area. This can only be a good thing for the city and the local economy.
“Prior to lockdown, HYP was well-known for great social events. The highlights included; a rooftop BBQ with a live DJ, supported by local developer, Iguana Developments, and the private hire of Paragon Arcade – where all of the independent businesses opened their doors for us.
“Now we are engaging people online as most office-based members have been working from home during the pandemic. Although it has been a necessity, feeling isolated from colleagues is known to affect motivation and productivity.
“Over the last year we’ve hosted online quizzes and drinks but we also wanted to offer an innovative activity that really engages people online. Our Neapolitan style pizza-making evening was so popular, it sold out in less than 4 hours and we delivered pizza-making kits around Hull for everyone to take part.
“None of this activity would be possible without the support of our sponsors. The local companies helping to promote Hull as a great place to live and work include Allenby Commercial, Andrew Jackson Solicitors, Diony, Garness Jones Surveyors, Hideout Apartment Hotel, Hinks Insurance, PPH Commercial, Rollits, Smailes Goldie, Rix, Sowerby, SJP Law and Divine Clark PR.
“HYP will continue to provide a social platform for the young businesspeople of Hull, hosting monthly ‘meet-ups’ and larger events every quarter, as soon as the venues re-open across Hull City Centre, but for now we will continue with virtual events. The next event is the virtual Escape Room on 28th April, new members are more than welcome to come along, this will be our final virtual event, with a view to us starting to meet up in person.
“If you are career-driven and looking to meet like-minded professionals, sign up for free via the website – www.hypnetwork.co.uk.”
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