Bernard Ginns, Business Editor

The judging panel considered strong and plentiful contenders in each category; some familiar names but many emerging businesses and characters.

They were united by a theme of transformation, positive momentum, innovation and enterprise.

The four-hour judging session was characterised by the usual robust discussion, including judges arguing while simultaneously agreeing with each other, but with strong consensus on choices.

Martin Boyle, chairman of the judging panel, said: “We are happy with selections we have made.”

Mr Boyle is a partner at executive recruitment firm Howgate Sable, headline sponsor of the annual awards alongside The Yorkshire Post.

The judging panel included Chris Rea of AESSEAL, Tim West of Ernst & Young, Stephen Griffiths of Rothschild, Bernard Ginns of The YP, Ian Restall of Design Portfolio, Juliette Healey of the Bank of England, Peter Wilkinson of InTechnology, Stephanie Burras of Ahead Partnership, Paul Judge of Henderson Insurance Brokers, Andrew Palmer of the Confederation of British Industry, Richard Gregory of Yorkshire Bank, Chris Kelly of Redhall Group and Christopher Prince of Leeds Beckett University.

The winners will be revealed at the fundraising lunch at The Queens hotel on Friday, December 12.

To buy tickets, email [email protected] or phone 0113 245 9937.