Birmingham has had to give up its crown as Hull replaces the west Midlands city as the most enterprising place in Britain.

The City of Hull received an Improving the Business Environment Award in the Enterprising Britain Awards and also given the title of the most enterprising place in Britain.

The awards, which are now in their fourteenth year, celebrate the work of public sector organisations that support and encourage entrepreneurialism across the UK.

The city’s programmes to invigorate the economy earned the admiration of judges who noted the Green Port Hull project, a £310m investment from Siemens and Associated British Ports, and the Hull Youth Support Trust.

As a result of projects such as these, there are now 5,000 more jobs and 6,800 more people in employment compared to 2011.

‘The Enterprising Britain Awards are a fantastic reminder of what can be achieved when we bring together local knowledge and leadership to provide targeted support to entrepreneurs and the innovative businesses they build,’ said small business minister, Margot James.

‘I want to congratulate the City of Hull for their enormous success. They are a fantastic example of what can be achieved by applying an innovative approach to supporting businesses, and I wish them continued success.’

Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration and planning, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Hull has been recognised as the most enterprising place in Britain – over the last five years the council and its many partners in the business world, local community and the government have worked to increase the city’s profile which in turn has seen us secure major investment in the city.

‘This backdrop of investment has enabled us to work with significant numbers of new entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses.

‘Coming in the same year as Hull being the City of Culture this recognition will be another step forward for the city in creating the right environment to support our business community to develop and grow who in turn are creating quality opportunities for our communities.’

For more on Hull's recent successes read our feature, 'Hull rides wave of optimism.'