ANTICIPATION is building ahead of the annual Bradford Means Business Awards, which will take place in Centenary Square tonight.

Hundreds of businessmen and women will step foot in the grand marquee for a glitzy night of celebration.

The Bradford Means Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout Bradford district who are putting the area on the map.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee expressed the importance of recognising the district’s achievements.

The Lord Mayor said: “These awards are a great celebration of business in Bradford. It’s so important to recognise the achievements, successes and innovation by local people and companies across the district.

“Businesses in Bradford do a huge amount to boost the local economy while also making a positive contribution to communities, both in terms of employment and opportunities but also through community initiatives.

“I look forward to attending and helping celebrate Bradford as a truly great place to do business.”

The ceremony will be hosted by former ITV Calendar presenter, Kate Walby, with special presentations from the Telegraph & Argus’ editor Nigel Burton and sales director Steve Lowe.

Krystyna Lennon, a Guiseley-based hypnotherapist and motivational speaker, is the keynote speaker for 2019.

Guests will be served a three course meal bursting with Asian flavours from the Aagrah restaurant.

The editor of the T&A said: “The city centre is now becoming well established for businesses.

“There is also progress further afield towards the top of town with the recent opening of TJ Hughes and Boyes in Kirkgate Shopping Centre, suggesting a resurgence in the area and offering a bigger and better shopping choice for everyone and encouraging people to stay local.

“For nine years now our annual awards have recognised and honoured the district’s leading performers, large and small.

“This year is no exception and our finalists can be proud of the fact they are making a difference to their city in their chosen path.”

Titles up for grabs include SME of the Year, Employer of the Year, New Business of the Year, Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Customer Service Excellence Award, Apprentice of the Year and Contribution to the Community Award.

Other categories include Export Business of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Job Creator of the Year and The Winners Award.

Awards attendees are invited to attend the after-show party at Sunbridge Wells from 10.30pm onwards.

Meanwhile all the nominees and sponsors will be featured on City Park’s big screen.