BAILDON-based Produmax took the Manufacturer of the Year title at the awards.

The specialist manufacturing company, which has an expertise in high precision engineering, operates across the works closely with aerospace manufacturers.

Co-owner Mandy Ridyard was overwhelmed to have picked up the prize.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” she said after being presented with the accolade.

“Our team of engineers are superheroes.

“They really deserve this award - they’ve worked so hard and it’s such a great team.

“We get involved in every area of Bradford, including supporting and promoting young people.

“We don’t only do that in Bradford, but in the wider area as well.”

After being nominated, Mandy earlier said how the pandemic had impacted the business.

“Covid was very difficult, so we made the decision to diversify amid the challenges we were all facing during that time,” she said.

“At Produmax we have world-class employee engagement and a strong set of values. 20 per cent of our workforce are also apprentices.”

During the pandemic, the business also contributed to the manufacture of 20 years’ worth of ventilators.

Other nominees in this category were Power Sheds, which was also nominated for - and won - the SME of the Year award.

Just three years after being founded, Power Sheds has already made progress, earned recognition and has big plans in sight.

The third nominee was The Friendly Chemical Co, co-founded by Emma Tapper and Scott Rudd.

They introduced Miniml, a leading manufacturer of eco refillable cleaning, laundry and personal care products.

Emma and Scott met at university, where they both studied marketing.

“We decided to make our washing-up liquid at home, we would fill a large container, deliver it to the store, take it back, clean it, fill it again and continue,” said Scott, after the business was nominated.

“Within a year, word got around and within a month we were in about 1,000 shops.

“We see Miniml being a household name and something you can get anywhere you want, and being cost-effective and available for everyone.