Unlike bacon and eggs, fish and chips or mint sauce with lamb, the words ‘success’ and ‘Bradford’ are seen by too many people as not belonging on the same menu.

Well, I’ve got news for the knockers. Like the words of the Sinatra song, they do go together like a horse and carriage.

In my view, Bradford’s biggest problem is people’s perception of it. It’s easy to be downcast. So, it was great to be able to celebrate some genuine successes at the recent T&A Bradford Means Business Awards. It was an opportunity for Bradford to showcase its industrial and commercial achievements, and reminded us that the entrepreneurial spirit which made the city great still exists in spades.

Picking winners from a wide range of entries was tough. In some cases you couldn’t get a sheaf of paper between them. While some walked away with gongs and plaudits, those who did not win an award are still worthy of note.

The awards bash at the Aagrah Midpoint Suite at Thornbury was an inspiring night.

Speaker Carl Hopkins, of TV’s Secret Millionaire fame, spoke fondly, if somewhat irreverently, about gutsy Bradford-born businesswoman Judith Donovan, at whose direct marketing agency he worked before buying it and later selling it on again.

She epitomised the drive and determination it takes to succeed in business.

The event provided good food, good company, and lots to be happy and buoyant about.

Here’s to the next time.