FIRMS across the district have been urged to put their names forward for a prize at this year’s Bradford Means Business Awards.

The awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout the Bradford district who are putting their region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community.

This year’s event, presented alongside headline sponsor Bradford Council, will take place at the home of Bradford City, Valley Parade, on Thursday, July 21. The ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster Kate Walby.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Finalists Itaca Branding (New Business) and Tildas Tribe (Sustainability) enjoyed their evening at last year's ceremony Finalists Itaca Branding (New Business) and Tildas Tribe (Sustainability) enjoyed their evening at last year's ceremony

Companies from across the district will battle it out in 10 categories for the prestigious prizes.

SME Business of the Year category is open to companies in the region that normally employ no more than 75 full-time staff while demonstrating a strong financial performance.

The Employer of the Year prize highlights companies who have shown strong investment in their staff as well having a reward scheme and other key employee benefits.

The New Business of the Year category is open to companies in the region that started in 2021 and can demonstrate imagination and show sound planning for the future.

Social Mobility Award category will recognise the effective investment of resources that businesses have made to address issues which prevent or limit social mobility.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, front centre, with fellow guests at last year's ceremony Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, front centre, with fellow guests at last year's ceremony

A new category for this year’s event, Exporter of the Year, is open to all businesses which trade overseas regardless of size or sector.

Bradford’s next generation will be under the spotlight in the Apprentice of the Year category. The finalists here have shown their dedication as part of their apprenticeship for an employer that has offered the support and training needed to help them.

Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year category will also highlight the next generation of manufacturing workers.

A further award in this sector is the Manufacturer of the Year prize.

Those completing innovative work in research and development in either manufacturing techniques, software development or digital technologies will battle for the Innovation Award.

The Family Business of the Year prize will reward established family businesses across all industries and the work they continue to do in the district.

The final category, Winner of Winners, will be decided on the night of the ceremony from all of the category winners.

The deadline for nominations for this year’s awards is midnight on Friday, April 8.

Go to thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/business/business_awards/nominate to fill in a nomination form for a district business.