QUBE Learning scooped the Social Mobility Award, earning recognition for its work in supporting young people across the district.

The national training provider delivers between 600 and 800 traineeships a year, and Paul Taylor, its head of pre-employment, was thrilled to have won.

“It’s amazing, and also well deserved,” he said.

“It’s been a long time in the waiting, our team has worked incredibly hard trying to support young people in Bradford who may normally be missed.

“We’ve had a massive impact on young people, many of whom were low on confidence, but are now head chefs, or working in care homes.

“They’ve gone on to get their ideal jobs and their chosen careers, so the impact we’ve had has been massive, and we want it to continue.

“We are also really excited to be moving into our new centre in The Broadway and to help even more young people.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our win here tonight.”

Also in the running for the Social Mobility Award were Regal Foods and Exa Networks.

Girlington-based Regal specialises in South Asian and world foods, and was recently announced as Bradford City’s official shorts sponsor for next season.

After being nominated, its marketing manager Elliot said: “Regal started 20 years ago, very much in the heart of the Bradford community.

“We initially started with a small bakery range, fast forward to today and we have a portfolio of 380 products which are served in over 3,000 retail units throughout the UK, including in major supermarkets.

“We also now export to over 40 countries across the world.”

Exa Networks director and co-founder Mark Cowgill said, after the company’s nomination, that, “We have helped teachers and students with the digital side of things.

“It is really important to inspire the next generation, across all industries.”

Exa Networks is also responsible for creating Bradford Tech Week, which teaches young people more about the fast-growing and dynamic industry.