Who do YOU think is the best business in Bradford district? (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Who do YOU think is the best business in Bradford district?

11:20pm Tuesday 31st January 2012 in The Awards By David Barnett

The Bradford Means Business Awards are about honouring those who have pulled through some of the worst economic times in recent memory – those who have survived, those who have thrived and those who have set up shop.

While most of our categories are aimed at companies nominating themselves, we also want to hear about the best employers and those who provide the best public services or customer satisfaction. And those nominations are better coming from the people who know best.

The first category, sponsored by the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, in which we’ll be seeking public nominations is the Retail/Hospitality Business of the Year. We want to hear about the highest standards of customer service from our readers’ favourite businesses.

It might be a hotel, pub, restaurant, shop or any business that has day-to-day contact with the general public. We’re accepting first-stage nominations on our website at telegraphandargus.co.uk/bradford meansbusiness via the online form and also via the coupon printed on this page.

When it comes to the category of Employer of the Year, sponsored by Bradford College, we know that the only people who can truly nominate for this aware are those who work for the business.

We want to know about the working environment, people development, training, and a commitment to the general well-being of the workforce.

Last year’s winners in the Retail/ Hospitality category was Keelham Farm Shop. Victoria Robertshaw said the award meant more than other national awards the business had already won last year.

She said: “We have won an award in the House of Commons, but the feeling we have got from this one is bigger. We’re a Bradford business, this is Bradford’s big award, so it feels like a home win.”

The Employer of the Year in our last awards was housing group Incommunities, led by Geraldine Howley, which had a huge number of nominations from its workforce.

Is your boss worthy of a gong? Is your local retailer in need of a boost? Make sure you get your nominations to us by the first-stage deadline of Wednesday, February 29.