THE top businesses from Bradford have been celebrated in a new annual scheme for the district.

Bradford Top 100 Businesses 2022, which highlights the best the district’s firms has to offer, has revealed its first winner.

It is a joint project between the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Council and the University of Bradford.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Marcus Tyldseley and Guy Barrett, of Barrett Steel, with their Number One award From left, Marcus Tyldseley and Guy Barrett, of Barrett Steel, with their Number One award (Image: Andy Garbutt)

The list uses data compiled by the university’s school of management, ranking businesses across a number of different criteria including turnover in 2021, increase in turnover and shareholders’ funds.

Barrett Steel, based on Cutler Heights Lane, Dudley Hill, Bradford, was ranked as number one in the Top 100 list.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Members of the Bradford business community met at the University of BradfordMembers of the Bradford business community met at the University of Bradford (Image: Andy Garbutt)

Guy Barrett, Barrett Steel’s chief operations officer, said: “It’s great to win the award. It was certainly a bit of a surprise. It’s fantastic for us to get top spot.”

Other awards went to Saltaire-based BTL Group, trading as Surpass Assessment, which claimed the Biggest Growth honour. The firm is an international leader in computer-based testing technology for secure and high-stakes assessments.

Bob Gomersall, chairman of BTL Group trading as Surpass Assessment, said: “I’m completely surprised. It is good for businesses to collaborate with ones that they compete with.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The event, sponsored by Schofield Sweeney, was held at the University of BradfordThe event, sponsored by Schofield Sweeney, was held at the University of Bradford (Image: Andy Garbutt)

“The Top 100 is good as it is nice to know how other businesses are doing in Bradford.”

Power Sheds, based on the Euroway Industrial Estate, claimed the One To Watch prize, which was given to a company which did not feature on this year’s list but is seen as one which may be high up in future Top 100 year’s rankings.

The firm was set up in 2019 and was earlier this month ranked sixth nationally in the FEBE Growth 100 list which recognises the UK’s fastest-growing founder-led private businesses.

Brandon Attack, project leader, and Bex Chang, operations supervisor, picked up the award.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Nigel Burton, Telegraph & Argus editor, speaks at the Top 100 launch event Nigel Burton, Telegraph & Argus editor, speaks at the Top 100 launch event (Image: Andy Garbutt)

They said the award gave them further drive to try and finish high up next year’s Top 100. They added that the company was really proud to be based in the Bradford district.

The launch event, which including the unveiling of the first Top 100 business list, was held at the University of Bradford on Tuesday, June 27 and was sponsored by Schofield Sweeney.

Nigel Burton, T&A editor, said: “It is a good way to show off the fantastic work done in the district from companies across the spectrum, to help build confidence in Bradford as a place to do business.

“It is going to become an invaluable record of how the business community developed in Bradford in the 21st century.

“In 12 months’ time we are going to run the report again.”