The Yorkshire Biz Awards were launched in 2007 by Stephen Waud from Bradford's Enterprise Fund.

This year was the awards scheme's most successful year, with entries up by 20 per cent.

Entrants and 400 guests gathered at the award ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Among the winners was Leeds vintage clothing company, Upstaged, who clinched "Best New Start" while social enterprise, Just Coffee People, won "Enterprise in the Community."

Recognition

Upstaged owner, Lorna Jasper, said: "Entering this award has been one of the best decisions I have made since starting up. The recognition of winning adds so much credibility to my brand and I know my business will now go from strength to strength."

The Yorkshire Biz Awards recognise those who have triumphed over adversity.

Other category winners were Wakefield-based Fresh Pastures for "Fastest Growing Business" and "Business of the Year" and Huddersfield-based Viewpoint Digital for "Enterprise Through Innovation."

Mr Waud said: "The response to this year's event has been overwhelming. It continues to be tough trading times for all businesses so it's now more important than ever to recognise those who are riding the storm.

"Every Biz Award winner reflects an ongoing healthy entrepreneurial spirit across the Yorkshire region which we should embrace, celebrate and continue to support."