Sirius, a pioneering Hull business support agency, has closed its doors after assisting an estimated 5,000 businesses over nearly three decades, with its legacy set to continue through a donation to another support organisation.
A 27-year mission to support local enterprise
Sirius was founded by BP Chemicals at Saltend in 1999 to support entrepreneurs throughout Hull and East Yorkshire, following restructuring at the site. Its original remit was to promote self-employment, assist local businesses in launching and expanding, and generate sustainable job opportunities across Hull, Hedon and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
What began as a three-year project evolved into a long-standing dedication to local enterprise. After 27 years of operation, Sirius is now shutting down, but it has made an undisclosed legacy donation to For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO), ensuring local people can continue launching and expanding businesses.
FEO to carry forward Sirius's mission
FEO will take forward Sirius's mission through mentoring, events, support and a new generation of practical resources for entrepreneurs. Sirius's clients will now be welcomed into FEO's wider community, with access to business programmes and support.
Mark Stageman, Chair of Sirius, said: "After 27 years of supporting job creation and businesses in the Hull and East Riding area, Sirius is pleased that its legacy will continue through a donation to FEO. This will be used to enhance FEO's digital platforms and other entrepreneurial business-support initiatives."
Proud of the difference made since 1999
Alan Gordon-Freeman, Chief Executive of Sirius, said: "Sirius was created to help local people create opportunities for themselves, build businesses and generate employment in Hull and East Yorkshire. The greatest satisfaction has always come from seeing people succeed - meeting someone years later and hearing that they have taken on new premises, created jobs or built a thriving business.
"We are closing Sirius, but we are immensely proud of the difference it has made since 1999. Our mission has always been to make practical business advice, ongoing support and fair finance accessible to local entrepreneurs."
He added: "FEO will now take up the baton, and I am confident it will continue Sirius's commitment to giving local entrepreneurs the support, confidence and opportunities they need to achieve a brighter future. Starting and running a business can be difficult and, at times, lonely.
"It is important that people have somewhere trusted to turn when they have a problem, an opportunity or simply need someone to help them think through their next step. FEO is well placed to provide that support long into the future."
Expanding access to business support
David Hall, Chair of the Board of Directors of FEO, said: "We are honoured that Sirius has chosen FEO to carry forward its enterprise legacy. Over nearly three decades, Sirius has helped people turn ideas into livelihoods, overcome barriers, build confidence and create businesses that support themselves, their families and the wider local economy.
"This legacy donation will help FEO expand the way people can access business support. Some entrepreneurs will want to attend an event, speak to a mentor or learn alongside peers. Others may need a useful resource late at night, a structured toolkit to test an idea, or guidance that fits around employment, family life or the demands of running a business.
"By combining new tools with human experience, mentoring and peer connection, we can help more people take their next step with confidence."
