Mark Bowers, chief executive of Redfern Travel, was unable to pick up his award for Business Personality of the Year, but sent a message saying: "At Redfern we’re very proud to be a Bradford-based business employing people from the city, so winning this award from our local area means a lot.

"Whilst the award might be for Business Personality of the Year, the credit really has to go to the whole team. Leading a business from £42million turnover to more than £250million in a couple of years is challenging, but I'm extremely fortunate to work with a dedicated, professional and hardworking bunch of people who make running Redfern a real pleasure.

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"The Telegraph & Argus Bradford Means Business Awards brilliantly showcase the talent and ability we have within the Bradford area, which is contributing to the growing importance of our wider region on a national scale. As Redfern’s chief executive, I’m proud to be named alongside some fantastic businesses and business people in these awards.

"I’m on holiday at the moment so unfortunately I was unable to attend the awards evening – but I promise I'll enjoy celebrating the award win in the sunshine instead."

Mark has helped turnover at Redfern Travel increase by 52 per cent year on year and sales growth averages over 140 per cent per annum over the past five years.

Redfern Travel started in 1937 from small premises in Bradford, and today has become a leader in business travel management. As the company says: "We're a name that 500 organisations and 500,000 registered travellers trust.

"We connect people with a combination of straightforward business travel technologies and friendly experts. That way our customers book simply, travel soundly and save money."

Highly commended by judges were Joanna Robinson and Idris Mir.