JUDGES have selected their shortlist of 30 for the Bradford Means Business Awards 2021, which aim to highlight the best in business across the district.

The Telegraph & Argus awards, which are in partnership with Bradford Council, have received hundreds of nominations.

The judges have selected three finalists in each of the ten categories, who are all invited to this year's black tie gala dinner, which is being held at the Bradford Hotel on September 30.

The judges deliberated over a lunch at the Bradford Hotel, with Wayne Cowley of Packetts, Shafiq Khan of BHP, Nick Garthwaite of Christeyns, Joanne Love of Solenis, Stephen Wright of Thorite, Edd Grinham Exa Network, Dawn Leek of Bradford College, Mark Burns of Excelledia, Steve Lowe of LOCALiQ and Johnny Noble Bradford BID, all having their say.

Mr Lowe, sales director of LOCALiQ Yorkshire, said: “Celebrating business success in the district is a really important way to show our customers and employees of the fantastic things we can do, it builds loyalty, trust and positive PR.

"This year's entries were again a broad mix of industry types and size and we look forward to showcasing those shortlisted in the coming weeks and months as we head to the awards night on the 30th of September.”

In addition a Winner of Winners Award will be decided on the night.

The shortlist in full is:

  • Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Christeyns: Gabrielle Lloyd of Carnaud Metal Box, James Pool of Solenis and Sam Duffy of Solenis;
  • Social Mobility Award sponsored by Year Bradford BID: Cardinal Project Management, Exa Networks and Qube Qualifications;
  • SME Business of the Year sponsored by BHP: Ashtree Vision and Safety Limited, Clive Brook Volvo and Titus;
  • Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Bradford College: Kim McIntosh of University of Bradford, Dan Clegg of Incommunities and Ben Preston of Bracken Ghyll Golf Club;
  • New Business of the Year sponsored by Exa Network: DD Salon Supplies, Faraday Drinks Ltd and Itaca Branding;
  • Tech Company of the Year sponsored by the University of Bradford: Titus, Exa Network and Cardinal;
  • Sustainability Award sponsored by Excelledia: Cardinal Project Management, Christeyns and Tilda's Tribe;
  • Employer of the Year sponsored by Solenis: Expect Distribution, Projex Solutions and Exa Network;
  • Family Business of the Year sponsored by Packetts: 360 Secure System, Pennine Plus and Winder Carpets;
  • Manufacturer of the Year sponsored by Thorite: Debar Ltd, Astonish and Ferno.