We received 210 entries this year – more than double the number last year.

The 10 awards will highlight success stories of business across the region and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in Leeds on October 17.

The keynote speaker at the awards will be David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party. Declan Curry, the BBC Breakfast presenter, will be the master of ceremonies.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Bank, accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and legal firm DLA Piper are supporting this year's awards.

Hewlett, the Leeds-based construction group, is sponsoring the event's champagne reception.

Peter Charlton, Editor of the Yorkshire Post, said: "This year's entries have exceeded all expectations – both in quality and quantity.

"We have attracted a record number of entries and the number has been matched by the sheer volume of success stories.

"These may be difficult times for some industries, but the judges were impressed by the range and depth of the submissions.

"There are true success stories in Yorkshire and our awards provide a perfect opportunity for us to showcase Yorkshire's finest companies.

"The finalists stand comparison with anything that is going on elsewhere in the UK or further afield."

To inquire about attending the event, contact Jayne Lownsbrough, the Yorkshire Post Editor's secretary, at jayne.lownsbrough@ypn. co.uk


THE SHORTLIST

Young Business of the Year: Endless LLP Leeds; St George's Crypt Create, Leeds; Strawberry Recruitment Solutions,Bradford.

Companies with a turnover under £10m:EnviroVent, Harrogate; Naylor Concrete Products, Barnsley; Robinson & Sawdon, Hull.

Companies with a turnover between £10m and £50m: Big Word Group, Leeds; Masternaut Three X, Leeds; Strategic Team Group, Castleford.

Companies with a turnover above £50m: AES Engineering Limited, Rotherham; Sheffield Forgemasters International, Sheffield; Turner and Townsend, Leeds.

University spin-out:Graduates Yorkshire, Leeds; Image Analysis, Leeds; Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute Ltd,Leeds; Tissue Regenix, Leeds.

Exporter of the Year:Mamas and Papas, Huddersfield; Naylor Drainage Ltd, Barnsley; Pace, Saltaire.

Innovation of the Year:Simcyp, Sheffield; SurfaceSkins, Leeds; Vocalink, Harrogate.

Project of the Year:Dalby Forest; Richmond Station; York Racecourse.

Best Company To Work For (judged by Bradford University School of Management):Arena Group, Wakefield; Elmwood, Leeds; Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co Ltd, Leeds; Stephen George and Partners, Leeds; WorldEvents, Cleckheaton.

There will also be a special Individual Award for Excellence.