Companies are urged to take part in the region’s leading business awards

The sixth annual awards are now open for entries and judges will be looking for examples of genuine business excellence.

The awards are backed by main sponsors Aviva, DLA Piper, Goldman Sachs, PwC and Yorkshire Bank, and feature top political speakers and leading UK businessmen.

Last year’s special award was won by Sir Stuart Rose, the former chairman of Marks & Spencer, to honour a long and successful career in retail. After receiving his award, Sir Stuart said: “We have seen some fantastic examples here this evening of innovation and entrepreneurship and the ability of people.”

The Bradford University School of Management, Drax and TC Harrison JCB are the associate sponsors.

The award categories are: Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by O2, open to owner managers and directors aged 35 and under; Innovation of the Year, sponsored by Drax, for companies that can demonstrate innovation in their approach to growth and development; SME Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by TC Harrison JCB, open to companies with a turnover of £10m or less; Outstanding Employer of the Year, sponsored by the Bradford University School of Management; Exporter of the Year, for companies that have made progress in overseas markets; Business Community Award, sponsored by Aviva; Young Business of the Year, sponsored by Goldman Sachs; Companies with a Turnover up to £10m, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank; Companies with a Turnover between £10m and £50m, sponsored by PwC; Companies with a Turnover above £50m, sponsored by DLA Piper; The Yorkshire Post Individual Award for Excellence, chosen by this newspaper.

Deadline for entries is June 17.

For full details, visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk