Yorkshire’s finest

The economy lies on the brink of a second recession, export markets are contracting and order books are shrinking.

Yet, as the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards highlights, there are many firms led by outstanding individuals across the region which are seizing opportunities at home and abroad.

These companies, harnessing entrepreneurial know-how to develop and deliver products and services, will play a vital part in generating growth in coming years. But they will also have an important role for the wider economy.

As Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg noted at the awards event, the region is key in efforts to rebalance the economy from its dependency on financial services and the South East.

He rightly paid tribute to the region’s business leaders, their resilience, optimism and “absolutely bloody-minded Yorkshire gritty determination” to seize opportunities.

The economy will bounce back – and it will be Yorkshire’s talent leading the way.