The future of a Bradford-based business awards scheme which honours firms that have overcome adversity is under threat unless more sponsors can be found.

Organisers of the Yorkshire Biz Awards hope that backers will come forward to ensure the scheme, which last year attracted a record number of entries and was tracked by Downing Street, can continue.

So far, Bradford Kickstart – the Council’s enterprise support programme – and the Bradford Enterprise Fund have confirmed their support, along with some smaller backers.

But Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency which for the past three years has been the main sponsor, has yet to confirm its involvement again this year.

There has been speculation that regional development agencies could be axed or cut back if the Conservatives win the General Election.

More than 400 guests attended the 2009 Biz Awards ceremony at the Royal Armouries and entries rose by 20 per cent for the event, which is organised by Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s events team, Spin Events.

Stephen Waud, manager of the Bradford Enterprise Fund, who created the awards, said: “Given the difficult economic climate sponsors have been slower to come forward and Yorkshire Forward has not yet confirmed whether it will be involved again.

“I suppose they are waiting to see what the future holds for the organisation after the election.

”I am very optimistic that we will be able to carry on but would urge sponsors to come forward. We’re grateful to those that have come on board, including past winner The Coffee People who have agreed to provide the coffee this year.

“The Biz awards have become a popular event and media coverage has been seen by more than four million people. We also know that they were tracked by officials in Downing Street last year.”

A former winner of the best social enterprise category, Create, which provides work for homeless and marginalised youngsters, hosted an event at the Great Victoria hotel to drum up support.

Since winning a Biz award in 2008, Create has opened a Bradford catering operation and employs more than 35 people in West Yorkshire.

Gary Stott, managing director, said: “Not only has winning a Biz Award given our staff motivation and pride in the work they do but it has given us the credibility to grow.”

Yorkshire Forward was unable to comment due to restrictions during the election period.