FIRMS which have used a Bradford Council enterprise programme and created nearly 400 new jobs in the district are being recognised for their success.

Around 250 new businesses have been created in the district in the last three years thanks to mentoring and support from Bradford Kickstart, which has also helped another 287 small businesses .

The scheme has led to the creation of 383 new jobs and safeguarded another 73 posts.

Business owners will be recognised at an event marking Kickstart's third year at the Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham tomorrow.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for employment, skills and culture, and Mike Cowlam, strategic director for regeneration, will present awards during the event.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe said: "Kickstart enterprise coaches have had some great successes, giving a leg-up to budding entrepreneurs who have the ideas, but need help to get started. Bradford is known for being a city of entrepreneurs. It's great to see these small businesses grow and flourish once their owners are able to realise their ambitions."

Entrepreneur Simon Whyte, who runs candle making business Whyte's Artisan in Wyke, approached Kickstart when looking for investment to expand production after making candles in his kitchen using standard equipment .

Together with Kickstart enterprise coach Celia Hickson he submitted an application for a loan to the Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund to buy specialist candle-making equipment and bulk supplies of wax, wicks, scents and jars.

Mr Whyte said: "I had started to put a business plan together but Celia was able to provide me with a bit of extra oomph in the way I described my plans. I couldn't have got the loan without her help, she was very supportive and gave me confidence to pursue my business ideas."

Lee Meadowcroft , whose international logistics business Sabre Ocean Solutions, has doubled turnover in each of the past three years and recently moved from Bradford city centre into larger premises in Cleckheaton, is another successful Kickstart client

He worked with enterprise coach Candy Squire-Watt on a business plan and was also helped with the PR and marketing of the firm's launch in October 2010. Sabre now employs seven staff and is looking to recruit more .

Mr Meadowcroft said: “The move to larger premises enables to us to continue to grow at a steady pace while retaining a clear focus on service. It takes us a step closer to our long term aim of becoming one of the leading logistics companies in the North of England.”