It’s been tough times for Bradford, and no-one would pretend that we’re out of the woods yet.

However, through the lean years, one thing emerges, especially around these parts: an indomitable spirit to survive.

To honour that feisty Bradfordian spirit, we today launch our Bradford Means Business Awards 2011, to celebrate the best that the district’s business community has to offer.

We are inviting submissions for our ten categories – with a “winner of winners” prize to be awarded by our panel of judges from the nominees – which are laid out in this special launch supplement.

The categories are explained more in depth over the following pages, but we want to hear who or what is the best small business, medium or large business, new start-up, environmentally-friendly firm, young entrepreneur, technical innovation, business woman and business personality.

Those companies who think they fit the bill are asked to submit evidence for their own nominations, but we’ll also have two categories which we’re opening up to Telegraph & Argus readers to nominate.

Those are Employer of the Year and Retail/Hospitality Business. Because while the recession has seen a “survival of the fittest” mentality emerging, there are two prime characteristics of businesses in certain sectors which must not be skimped upon if a company is to have long-term survival.

Businesses, after all, are only as good as the people who make them work, and demonstrating a genuine care for the health, well-being and development of its workforce will ensure that staff nominate them for the Employer of the Year category.

We’ve also singled out Bradford’s retail/hospitality sector for public nominations. Those in the retail industry who have stuck it out in Bradford during very lean years should be rewarded, especially those who have refused to let standards slip when it comes to the very highest standards and quality of customer service.

Elsewhere, we’re looking for good, old-fashioned growth and best-practice, and also looking to the future with the best technical or business innovations, and commitment to green practices.

And we want to know who the best business personalities are, who drives forward the business community with clear leadership and thinking.

We want your submissions and nominations now, and we’ll be holding a gala presentation night next year to hand out the awards.

Bradford does, as it always has, mean business, and these awards will honour those who have fought against the odds to ensure the district’s business community thrives.