The boss of a Bradford engineering company has scooped a top prize at the Yorkshire Women in Business Awards.

Joanna Robinson was named Woman of the Year in the medium sized business category for her 'exceptional' leadership since taking over as managing director of Bowling-based cooling systems specialist Mansfield Pollard in 2013. She is the first non-family managing director in the company's 149-year history.

The judges were impressed with Joanna’s rapid career progression from financial controller to managing director and the vision which she has created for the development of the expanding business, including restructuring the senior management team.

Joanne's latest accolade follows her winning Corporate Leader of the Year at the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards in November. Mansfield Pollard was also named manufacturer of the year and winner of winners at the 2014 T&A Bradford Means Business awards.

Mother of two Joanna has established a business culture based on customer focus, quality, integrity, innovation and fun.

She was recognised for developing a clear strategy for the future development of the Mansfield Pollard and by her willingness to engage with others, encourage team development, invest in people, and take measured risks all of which have contributed to the company's recent success.

Mansfield Pollard now employs 150 staff and increased sales by 30 per cent in its last financial year alone. Major business wins have seen its products providing air management systems in locations as diverse as Azerbaijan, Dubai and across the UK.

Joanna Robinson said; "To win Woman of the Year at the Barclays Yorkshire Woman in Business Award was a wonderful surprise, and an honour. Mansfield Pollard is built on a culture of collaboration and I see this award as recognition of the efforts of the whole team rather than just myself."

Debbie Mullen, Barclays Corporate head of Yorkshire said: “Women from all sectors across Yorkshire are securing key roles in larger companies and we wanted to recognise exceptional achievements for the contribution they are making.

"The applications were all exceptionally good and the judges had a tough job drawing up the short list and selecting the finalists. Congratulations for all our finalists who are role models for business women and have significantly contributed to the Yorkshire economy.”

Mansfield Pollard produces a range of innovative products including air handling units, kitchen canopies, air conditioning systems and acoustic control systems and services customers across the globe.

Asma Iqbal, partner and department head at law firm Chadwick Lawrence which has offices in Pudsey and Halifax, was among those shortlisted.