Regal Food's Younis Choudhry, who won the title of Entrepreneur of the Year, has said "dedication, honesty and focus" are at the heart of his achievements.

The businessman said if an entrepreneur has neither of these they are not going to be "as successful".

Mr Choudhry launched Regal Foods in 2009 as a small family bakery business and has led it to its current multi-million pound status.

He began his career working in a small baker at the age of 16 and worked his way up to become sales director.

He then began his own family business which has grown from 20 staff to over 120.

Mr Choudhry said: "It's nice to be appreciated now and again, a pat on the back now and again.

"You can be content with life but in business one thing you can't be is content.

"I think the businesses that don't go forward the one thing guaranteed for them is they'll go backwards."

And it seems forward-thinking is a key value for his company with the businessman urging businesses to keep evolving.

The award-winner said: "I think we just continue to grow, expand.

"Bradford, I think, is an ideal place to do business"

Ikram Butt, who works Regal Food Products Group Ltd, says visitors and clients are often inspired by his attitude.

Mr Butt said: "He's not afraid or shy to roll up his sleeves and get on his knees and does the work that he's required to do - and that is infectious for all the people that come.

"They say 'Wow, this guy's just truly amazing'.

"He's a tremendous inspiration to his brothers, his sons, his daughters."

Mr Choudhry often gives up personal time to encourage those from disadvantaged backgrounds to become entrepreneurial and uses his experiences to raise aspirations in others.

Waqar Younis, director of sales at Regal Food Products Group Plc and the winner's son, described his father as a rolemodel.

He said: "One of the biggest things my friends and myself discuss is role models and I'm one of the fortunate ones that have my father as one of my role models."

Other finalists included Reana Bashir of Coversure Insurance and Malcolm Little from Advanced Dynamics Ltd.