We watch FEO collect Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. Created in 2002, this honour celebrates The Queen's coronation anniversary and is considered as the MBE for volunteer groups.

This award can be reserved only by those who have dedicated their time to serving others. Through activities such as volunteering or fundraising on behalf of charitable causes! Groups must also demonstrate commitment levels within one community and at an individual level.

In 2021 these criteria were met by FEO Hull, an independent Community Interest Company (CIC). Its members employ over 23,000 people and represent successful private sector businesses of all sectors and sizes in the local area. Their goal is to boost Hull and East Yorkshire's local economy and create more ambitious entrepreneurs by lifting regional aspirations.

FEO provide services:

• In Schools / Colleges By promoting an enterprise vision to stimulate young people to want to start their own businesses and fulfil their dreams.
• In supporting those starting up - by providing a hand up to those who have their idea and want to get it started.
• In helping small businesses by giving peer support to business owners who find themselves in a lonely place.
• In helping growth businesses and actively providing the building blocks to those with ambitions to grow businesses.

Martin Lauer, CEO and Founder of The One Point, has been an active member of FEO since it was set up and helps deliver the FEO Step Change for Growth programme.

The One Point became a Key Partner of the FEO in 2018. Since then, has deepened the relationship with the organisation while continuing to share knowledge, experience and expertise.

Becoming a Key Partner has had a meaningful impact on the business. Both The One Point and The FEO believe the local economy needs to create and support more entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses and to help private enterprise flourish in Hull & East Riding.

Therefore, it was with great honour that we were invited to watch the FEO collect the well-deserved Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Presented last week during their celebration lunch at The MKM Stadium, presented by the assistant to the Queen HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The celebration lunch brought together many of the key supporters of the FEO. It was a fantastic day, and we were delighted to see the FEO receive such a prestigious accolade.