There was a buzz of suspense and excitement in the air for the awards' first ever live vote to find the Winner of Winners.

Steve Lowe, LOCALiQ's sales director, took to the stage before asking guests if their phones were all set up for the vote.

Soon after guests frantically voted for their favourite of the night but who would be crowned top?

Exa Networks and Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE shared third place at 11 per cent while Edward Street Bakery was voted second favourite at 13 per cent.

The Allan Jefferies team cheered as they came in first place with 27 per cent.

The team said: "Being awarded Family Business of the Year is an incredible honour but then to be voted Winner of Winners by awards attendees was truly phenomenal.

"Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we are so proud."

Louise Jefferies, who took over from her father, Tony Jefferies, 19 years ago, said her business lineage would "struggle to understand" what retail had become.

The businesswoman said: "When I took over there was I think eight staff at the time.

"We now have 50 members of staff.

"It's quite a different animal to what it was when I first started."

Mr Jefferies, who took over the Shipley-based motorcycle dealer in 1971, said he had to take a step back to allow Louise to make her own mark.

He said: "I had to let Louise do her job and establish herself in her own right.

"The way that businesses run now is completely different from when I was running it."

At the beginning of 2003 Louise developed the existing BMW site by expansion and embracing the new BMW corporate identity.

It was a £300,000 project which doubled the size of the showroom and service department facility.

It brought a 21st century approach to clothing and accessory display to the business.

The general manager invested millions more over the years including a move to a new site on Otley Road, Baildon, in 2009.

Mr Lowe said: "It was great to be able to do a live, interactive vote and let the audience pick the winner.

"157 people voted.

"Special thanks to the Broadway for being part of this new award category."