A swathe of Bradford district companies are highlighted in a new report which points to a continued post-recession revival among the region’s top 150 companies which have increased revenues and profits for the first time since 2009.

According to the Yorkshire Report 2012 from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, the top 150 firms saw net profits almost double to £2.25 billion from £1.25 billion last year, and just £300 million the year before. BDO said group revenues increased by five per cent to £83.8 billion.

Of the 150 companies analysed, 117 made a profit, against from 105 last year. Bradford supermarket group Morrisons, which saw revenues rise by seven per cent, was part of a regional retail sector which was the largest contributor to both revenue and profits.

The Yorkshire Report, now in its sixth year, covers the latest accounts from Yorkshire’s top 150 businesses based on revenue, creating a barometer of economic health for the region.

Bradford-based turbocharger manufacturer BorgWarner entered the top 150 for the first time after boosting turnover by 63 per cent after a restructure in 2009, Other Bradford firms included in the survey include Acorn Mobility Services; Barrett Steel; Co-operative Group Motors; Damart; Dart Group, owner of Jet2.com; Grattan; Hallmark Cards (Holdings); JCT600; Kelda; NG Bailey; Pace; Provident Financial; Skipton Building Society and Yorkshire Building Society.

Ian Beaumont, partner and head of BDO in Leeds, said: “This has been a solid year of financial progress for the top 150, which will be welcomed by businesses across the region. Companies now seem to be on much firmer footing and the challenge is now to create a springboard for further growth.

“The business landscape has been rocked by the recession but Yorkshire businesses have proved resilient and innovative.

“They have worked extremely hard over the last few years to drive down costs and push profits up, and a cautious approach to debt and gearing ratios is to be expected.

“However, we have witnessed a significant drop in business spending. Investment in property, plant and machinery has fallen by 20 per cent to £2.4 billion, which raises concerns about future growth potential. Without increased investment, businesses may struggle to compete on the international stage or take advantage of growth opportunities.”

The report showed that the top 150 businesses continued to trim their bank borrowing in the last 12 months, reducing net debt slightly from £13 billion to £12.8 billion.

They also took advantage of more stable conditions to increase their workforce from 460,000 to 469,000.