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#OurStars

Throughout 2017 we celebrated our 100th year in business. We used the social media hashtag #Our Stars to publicly recognise those who have helped make the company a success. They included staff, customers and people who have shaped our great home city of Hull. You can read some of their stories here!

From Footballer to MD of a Global Logistics Firm, it’s Our Colin!

"Hull is a great place to live and work", says our Colin. Name: Colin Moody Job title: Managing Director A little bit about yourself... I am proud to say I am born and bred in Hull. After leaving school I joined Hull City AFC as an apprentice footballer. My professional career may have only lasted 2 years but I had a great time and brilliant memories of being there, apart from the day I was told I would not be signed on! Shortly after that I went for an interview with a transport company and was told I could have the job if I signed for the manager’s Sunday league football team. A year later I moved to Neill & Brown and 38 years on I am pleased to say I am still here and I am very proud to be the first non-Brown Managing Director. Star likes HULL:  It’s taken a long time but with the help of 2017 UK City of Culture 2017, Hull is getting recognition and is a great place to live and work. HOBBY:  I try to make time and go to the gym and I like to get a round of golf in once a week - weather permitting! FOOD:   All Italian food BOOK:  I don’t always have time for reading but I have enjoyed a few of Dan Brown’s, including; ‘Inferno’ and ‘Angles and Demons’ as well as Jeffrey Archer’s short stories. SPORT:   I’m interested in all sports but I now particularly enjoy watching the Rugby Union Six Nations games. PLACE:    We have been taking short breaks to Tenerife for the last 25 years; it’s great to get away for some nice weather and relax for a few days. And, finally… Who do you most admire? Bobby Moore, the West Ham and World Cup winning England Captain in 1966. What is your earliest memory? I have always woken up early and as a young boy I would go the newsagents and sit on the papers outside the shop until they owners arrived to open up. What three things would you like with you on a desert island? I’d take my wife Debbie and my two children, Jace and Abigail, although they might not be too impressed!!

Our Neil is a bit of a sports fan.

We catch up with Londoner, Neil, to find out about his star likes. Name: Neil Murphy Job title: Warehouse Picker A little bit about yourself I was born and bred in South London but moved up North to be with my lovely wife and children. Star likes MUSIC:  I like listening to 70s music, but I really enjoy music from the 90s best. HOBBY:  I enjoy playing golf, which I started playing when I was 14. I also enjoy playing football and spending as much time as I can with my wife and children. BOOK:   I enjoy reading and read most things, but I mainly enjoy reading autobiographies. SPORT:  I am a beloved Arsenal supporter. And, finally, two questions to finish … Describe your ideal weekend I’d like to treat my wife to a romantic spa weekend away to say “thank you” for everything she does for our family. Then I’ll shoot off for a golfing weekend with the lads! What was your most embarrassing moment? I remember teaching the children how to get into an inflatable boat in a swimming pool. It was an epic fail because it went flying over the side of the swimming pool with me still in it! And my wife has video evidence to prove it!!!

Powerchair football and Sunday Roasts make Kai tick!

We catch up with the team captain of the Electric Eels, one of the beneficiaries of our #OurStars 100th Anniversary Charity Fund. Name: Kai Gill Job Title: National League Team captain for the Electric Eels A little bit about yourself... I began playing powerchair football in 2012 after attending a taster session. I knew from the minute I got into the chair that this was the sport for me. Within two years we made our debut in the national league championship (the second highest league in the country) and with each season we have improved our league position. Star likes Hull: The redevelopment of Fruit Market area is amazing. It has become my favourite spot to have a cup of tea and socialise with friends. Music: I enjoy listening to all types of music from the latest chart music to country music. Also, I love listening to the talented artists that we have in Hull such as Jack Conman, Ben Rainey, Bud Sugar, Love Our Records – the list goes on. Food: I really enjoy a Sunday roast dinner but why wait until Sunday? A roast dinner is good on any night of the week, especially as it starts to get darker. Sport: Obviously, powerchair football, but when I’m not playing I love watching all sports, mainly rugby league I’m a proud supporter of Hull KR. And, finally, a couple of questions… Which celebrity would you like to meet? Tough question… I’d like to meet Adam Hills, the Australian comedian renowned for his show on Channel 4, ‘The Last Leg’. If your wishes could be granted, what would you ask for? It’s always been my dream to represent my country in powerchair football. I won’t stop training hard or playing the best I can until I’ve achieved my dream. East Riding Electric Eels Hull & East Yorkshire Powerchair Football Club was established in 2012 by the parents of disabled children and young adults and has 26 registered players. They have two teams who compete in leagues that suit their level of play. The Electric Eels first team play in The MDUK Championship and the North East Regional League Premiership, while The Electric Eels Academy plays in the North East Regional League Championship and the Yorkshire League. The club’s main aim is to allow physically disabled people to play a fast-paced team game, something that most members have been unable to do previously. It is the club’s belief that participating in sports gives a huge benefit to disabled people and allows them to build teamwork, nurtures friendships and helps to boost confidence and self-esteem. One of the Electric Eels’ youngest players is currently performing at National League level and was selected for an International training camp in Paris last summer. Not all players compete; some come for social aspect. Attending the club is a way of getting out and making new friends which gets them away from the normal day to day troubles of living with a severe, and often life-limiting, disability. As a registered charity, the Electric Eels raise funds for training facilities and for providing special chairs required for the sport which can cost up to £8000 each. Kai Gill says, “most of our players thought that they’d never experience the thrill of scoring a goal or coming from behind to win a game. This gives disabled people a sporting purpose and an immense amount of enjoyment.” If you would like to help support this incredible local team you can visit the #OurStars 100th Anniversary Charity on MyDonate to make a donation – click here

27 years and counting!

We chat with our Logistics Director, Carl, to find out about that tricky work life balance. Name: Carl Andrew Job title: Logistics Director A little bit about yourself I'm born and bred in Hull and have one older brother. After a year at sixth form I joined Neill & Brown and 27 years later I’m still here!! I am married to Sarah and have two very special children Charlie (17) and Rosie (14) who make us both very proud. Star likes HULL: I love Hull it’s a great place to live with plenty going on. The resurgence of the marina area is probably the best part. Nice bars and restaurants. MUSIC: I like all types of music, including; The Jam, Style Council and Neil Diamond. Dance music is on all the time in our house as Rosie is always dancing and bouncing around! I also went to see Adele in concert last year. HOBBY: Going to watch my son play football and spend as much time with my family as possible. It’s a difficult mix at times given the nature of this job, but I wouldn’t change it!!! FOOD: A nice steak or piece of seabass, but you can’t beat good old Bangers and Mash! FILM: I don’t watch many films and can never remember the names of them when I do, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is still probably my favourite though… from what I can remember! SHOW: I’ve been to see quite a few shows. The first ever show I went to see was with Sarah to see Miss Saigon in London - I feel asleep after 10 minutes!! (Editor: Shocking!) I’ve also seen ‘Billy Elliott’, ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Buddy Holly’. The best show I’ve seen was ‘Aladdin’ when we were in New York; it was amazing! BOOK: I don’t read a great deal, if anything it’s usually a sport biography. Harry Redknapp’s probably being the best I’ve read of late. SPORT: I like any sport, especially football. I’ve always liked watching Liverpool (and been to the occasional game) and I like going to watch Hull City, although it has been painful to watch recently. I did represent and captain Yorkshire in the national championships at volleyball in my early teens. PLACE: The Bahamas was a special place as Sarah and I went there on honeymoon. We have also enjoyed holidaying in Lagos and Portugal is our favorite family location with fabulous beaches and food. I think New York is an exciting and vibrant place with lots going on. And, finally, to finish … If your wishes could be granted, what would you ask for? I’d wish an end to all wars and that a cure for cancer to be found. I hope that my children fulfil their dreams and enjoy life to the full. Who do you most admire? My Mum. From growing up and with my Dad working shifts, Mum did everything and was everywhere. Even now, after cancer and a hip replacement, she is always on the go and will do anything for anybody (nothing is too much trouble!). The help Mum and Dad have given me and Sarah has enabled me to fulfil my dreams! What was your most embarrassing moment? One Christmas we went for a meal at a very special house (Mr & Mrs B’s), I had too much to drink (winter Pimms!) and spent a lot of the late night in the bathroom…..enough said!!!

He’s a high flyer, but our Bernie now concentrates on the roads!

He's a keen cyclist who keeps very active, we caught up with our Bernie to find out more. Name: Bernard Bennison Job title: Fleet Manager  A little bit about yourself I was born and raised in Hull. I am married with one daughter and two grandchildren. I have worked in transport most of my life and it’s a privilege now to be with N&B. Star likes HULL: Our time as UK City of Culture 2017 has been great. Long may the benefits continue. MUSIC: I have a wide musical taste from 70’s Rock to classical HOBBY: I have a lot of hobbies that keep me occupied. I am interested in cars, and love music and travelling. I also have a keen interest in flying. I used to hold a pilot’s licence for flying microlights. I learned to fly out of Pocklington and have spent time flying all over Yorkshire. Ever since I was at school I have enjoyed cycling and I would often cycle from Hull to Malton or Scarborough and back. Nowadays I only do a mere 60 to 80 miles a week! FILM: Alien SHOW: Thriller BOOK: I enjoy reading biographies, my favourite was Rudy Giuliani’s, the mayor of New York at the time of the Twin Towers disaster; it was an amazing read. SPORT: I enjoy a lot of sports including; Motor Sports, cycling and rugby. PLACE: I can’t choose. I like the USA, Canada and home. And, finally, two questions to finish … If your wishes could be granted, what would you ask for? Health and happiness for all my family . Describe your ideal weekend. Getting out on my bike, spending time with my grandchildren… and a beer!

Heading up our Hong Kong office is our Justa.

Our Justa likes to relax when she can, we find out more... Name: Justa Ng Job title: Executive Director, Neill & Brown Hong Kong office A little bit about yourself... I enjoy working for Neill & Brown and it is my honour to continue the mission to lead the Hong Kong team with Neill & Brown towards another century of success! Star likes MUSIC: I enjoy listening to Jazz music; it helps me relax and fills me with joy. SPORT: I take part in hiking, jogging and yoga which I find helps free my mind. PLACE: Anywhere with fresh air and tranquility. And, finally, two questions to finish …. If your wishes could be granted, what would you ask for? Health & Happiness Describe your ideal weekend. A glass of wine and a good book.

David Bowie and horse riding are Star Likes for Ann Clarkson from Preston Road Women’s Centre

Neill & Brown supports Winner, Preston Road Women's Centre. Being part of Hull has always been at the heart of what we do so to help commemorate our landmark 100th year we chose to support two local charities. We spoke to Ann from the Preston Road Women’s Centre, one of our chosen charities. Name: Ann Clarkson Job title: Centre Coordinator A little bit about yourself... I’m from Hull and have worked at the women’s centre for 8 years. It’s a place where no two days are ever the same, some of the challenges the women and children we work with face are massive, but the experience of seeing a family come out the other side is amazing. Star Likes HULL:  The redevelopment of the Fruit Market area is incredible. It’s within walking distance of where I live; it’s great to see the area flourishing again. MUSIC:  As a teenager I loved David Bowie initially in his Ziggy Stardust era, but before that I also remember his Laughing Gnome single; he wasn’t known as David Bowie then. I’m still a fan of his music now. HOBBY: I inherited a love of horses from my dad who used to work with them on farms when he was a boy. It’s sometimes an expensive hobby but I’ve had so much enjoyment from them over the years I wouldn’t be without a horse now. FOOD:  You can’t beat a good roast dinner with all the trimmings SPORT:  Plenty of fresh air and exercise from the horse riding Anne tells us more about the Preston Road Women’s Centre: In Hull 25,000 women & 18,000 children are affected by domestic abuse. In England and Wales 2 women are killed every week by a current or former partner. On average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before her first call to the police. Women and children are often forced to leave their homes in fear of abuse. Our charity, ‘Winner, the Preston Road Women’s Centre Ltd’ (registered charity number 1106884), also known as Purple House was established on Preston Road in 1999. We started in a room in a disused school to provide a safe space for women to access support, education, training and volunteering opportunities. Currently we offer support to around 5500 women and children per year who come to us with a range of issues, often experiencing domestic abuse. Our location in the centre of East Hull means that our services are accessed by families from all areas of the city. Families living in the rural areas of East Yorkshire lying to the east of Hull, including Hornsea and Withernsea, also utilise our services, as we are easily accessible by bus routes coming into the city. ‘Winner’ offers holistic support to women and children in Hull to enable them to have the best possible quality of life and to make the most of life chances available to them. We offer safe, accessible services and activities that meet immediate practical needs, emotional health needs and empowerment to make informed choices allowing them to reach their full potential. Typically, women access the centre at a point of crisis in their lives often whilst suffering from domestic violence and abuse. Services include: • Specialist Domestic Violence and Abuse support • Specialist Nursery childcare provision • Young Women's support project • Safe dispersed accommodation • Affordable Justice (Family law firm offering affordable legal services) • Comprehensive Volunteering programme • Accredited training opportunities • Community shop • User-led groups, e.g. our Art Therapy group If you want to do your bit to help this worthwhile Hull-based cause - click here to donate

Our Sue has seen a lot from our reception desk over the last 23 years

We have a chat with our Sue, who is kept busy with 6 grandchildren. Name: Sue Towle Job title: Receptionist A little bit about yourself... I was born in Hull, the youngest and naughtiest of 5 children. I married at the age of 18 and I have 2 children, a surrogate son and 6 grandchildren. Star likes Hobby:   I enjoy cooking and baking; everyone in the office likes it when I bring in a lemon drizzle cake! I also enjoy going on holidays. Food:   My favourite food is Chinese food. Film:   I love ‘The Champ’ starring Jon Voight, it was so sad that I cried for hours. Books:   My daughter-in-law is a bestselling author, Samantha Towle. I may be biased but I do enjoy her books; my favourite is ‘The Mighty Storm’. Sport:   I enjoy watching tennis. Place:   My favourite place is Tenerife. It was one of the first places abroad that I visited on holiday, I fell in love with the place and I have been back on a yearly basis ever since. And, finally, to finish …. Which celebrity would you like to meet? I’d love to meet my favourite pop idol, Donny Osmond. Describe your ideal weekend My ideal weekend would include having the family around for tea, then afterwards I would go out for a few drinks with the girls.

Our Karl likes a good laugh

We asked our Karl about his Star Likes and found out more about his Wargaming antics... Name: Karl Barley Job title: Exports Coordinator A little bit about yourself... I’m from East Hull; I have lived there most of my life and just bought a house there with my other half. I spend a lot of my time wargaming, gaming, and talking about games. I like to travel to tournaments around the country with friends, which is great way to meet new people and spend time with people you don’t see too often. Star likes HULL: I’m very fond of my hometown, the people are great and the city itself is great, it’s got plenty to do and a rich history. MUSIC: I don’t get to many venues but the live music is Hull is really good; the atmosphere is always fantastic. HOBBY: Wargaming. I have become slightly addicted and now play more games than I probably have time for, and like all wargamers I have a pile of models that are unpainted. FOOD: I could eat pizza every day of the week. SHOW: A couple of years ago I saw Derren Brown at City Hall. It was an amazing show and I am hoping to go again. BOOK: I’m currently working through the ‘Wheel of Time’ series, would highly recommend to anyone into fantasy novels. SPORT: Rugby and Motorsports, I don’t follow as keenly as I’d like but I would always take the option. And, finally, two questions to finish... Which celebrity would you like to meet? That would have to be Rik Mayall or Robin Williams. I’ve spent a long time enjoying their films and shows and would have loved the opportunity to thank them for all of the laughs. The funniest things you've seen? Al Murray at Hull City Hall; by the interval I was in pain from laughing so much. Derren Brown, again at Hull City Hall. I never realised how funny he is. It doesn’t come across on TV and was a good surprise.

This star was born in 1981

It's a Grade 1 listing for Our Star the Humber Bridge! It's become an iconic part of the Hull skyline and at Neill & Brown we get a great view of this awesome structure from our Hessle depot. On 17th July, during Hull UK City of Culture 2017, the Humber Bridge was awarded Grade 1 listed status, so we thought on the 36th anniversary of its official opening it also deserved #OurStars status. The Humber Bridge first opened to traffic on 24th June 1981, and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17th July 1981. It was built by the same engineers who built the Forth Road Bridge, crossing the Firth of Forth, Scotland. Previous to the opening of the Humber Bridge, travellers either had to catch the Humber Ferry between Corporation Pier, Hull to New Holland Pier, New Holland, Lincolnshire or drive all the way around using the M62, M18 and M180. As a result of the bridge opening, the road distance between Hull and Grimsby was reduced by 50 miles. With a total length of 2200m, the Humber Bridge held the record for the longest single span suspension bridge for 17 years, until the opening of Japan’s Akashi Kaikyō Bridge on 5th April 1998. Each tower of the bridge stands at 510ft tall and a total of 44,000 miles of suspension cable is used. The bridge is designed to tolerate constant motion and bends more than 3m in winds of 80mph. Every year the bridge is used by over 8million vehicles. The Humber Bridge is a truly tremendous structure and we are proud to be situated within its shadow. The bridge plays a vital role in Neill & Brown’s daily transportation services.

Our green fingered Peter

Sales administrator Mark Jardine interviews Neill & Brown’s CEO, Peter Brown, and finds out about 'straight line mowing therapy'..... As Neill & Brown celebrates 100 years in business, the third generation Brown and CEO, Peter Brown, marks 52 years with the family firm. During that time he has worked his way from being the office boy, on to customs clerk, before becoming the MD and then CEO. I caught up with Peter to chat about what he gets up to when he is not working to prepare Neill & Brown for the next 100 years. It’s understandable that as a ‘man at the top’, Peter likes to relax whenever time will allow. As well as being a keen gardener, he is also known for spending time in the kitchen making pickles and preserves made from his produce. In contrast to the more creative side of gardening, he’s also a stickler for detail. He tells me, “I find mowing the lawn very therapeutic. It is very satisfying to see straight lines in the grass!” Peter is very keen on the arts and was the first person to pledge money, through Neill & Brown, to the help the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2017. It has certainly been an exciting year so far, and Peter says, “I am pleased to see how UK City of Culture 2017 has benefited our city throughout the year and how this will leave a legacy for years to come. “It’s incredible to see the impact that this year has had on Hull’s profile, with our city getting worldwide recognition.” As the head of a global logistics organisation, who also has an office based in Hong Kong, Peter tells me that he has been very fortunate to have seen a lot of the world, “I love the Far East for its food and people, but recently I visited one of our sons who is currently living in Australia and I’d like to spend some more time exploring there. “But as long as I am with my best friend – my wife Moira – it doesn’t matter where I am. Wherever we are we always have a laugh and an occasional glass of wine!” It’s no surprise then that when I asked Peter to describe his perfect weekend, he said: “I would spend the day gardening on a Saturday, followed by a meal out with friends in the evening. Sunday morning I would have a round of golf before cooking Sunday dinner and having all the kids at home around the dinner table … perfect!” Star Likes: Music: I like lots of different types of music from Tamla Motown to Brass bands and El Divo. Food:  There is very little I will not eat or try, although on business trips to China I have been offered some very unusual food, but do prefer fish. Show:  I have seen The Phantom of the Opera a few times over the years and always enjoy it. TV:  I enjoy watching ‘Heartbeat’ on the TV as it reminds me of that era. It was a great time in my life – everything was so different then. Without any responsibilities, life was more carefree, but we all have to grow up. Books:  I only really read on holidays but I prefer WW2 fiction and mysteries Sport:   Playing golf and walking Hobby:   Gardening, cooking and golf. Not many people know that I used to be a train spotter! (They do now!) To finish, tell us about anyone you would like to meet, past or present. I’ve met Lord Digby Jones. I bought and read his book ‘Fixing Britain’; it’s a shame our politicians have not taken more notice of what he said. And I would like to have met Margret Thatcher as she seemed like one hell of a woman. This obviously will not popular with everyone, but I think she did a fantastic job for the country at the time.  

Our Martin and his Hull hotspots!

  Responsible for overseeing a mammoth 365 days of artworks and art events across every inch of our city. Name: Martin Green Director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 Star likes HULL: It has to be the refurbished Fruit Market and Humber Street in particular. It’s got a great new vibe about it and is packed at weekends. MUSIC: I saw the Holy Moly Ziggy Stardust gig at Hull City Hall a few weeks ago – definitely one to remember. FOOD: ‘Marrakech Avenue’ on Princes Avenue is a favourite. FILM: ‘Arrival’ was my favourite film of the year. PLACE: East Park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.  If your wishes could be granted, what would you ask for? That this year turns out to be one of great change for the city and that the change continues for years to come. Which celebrity would you like to meet? I met Jenny and Lee from Gogglebox, a dream fulfilled! The funniest things you've seen? The Hypocrite at Hull Truck, raucous and divine! Describe your ideal weekend. A quiet morning after a long week, a walk around East Park and a cocktail at Bar 82. What three things would you like with you on a desert island? A box set of Game of Thrones and therefore a laptop to watch it on. Perhaps a friend as it might get a bit lonely. Who do you most admire? I long for the return of President Obama. What is your earliest memory? Playing in the garden at home in Essex with my two brothers. I think there was a scooter involved. If you could go back in time, where would you go? To New York in the 70s. What was your most embarrassing moment? There have been many I'm afraid, I'm rather good at embarrassing myself, especially when lots of people are watching.