BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
This award goes to the person who has not only excelled in their own field, but is recognised as being an important figure in the wider business community of the Bradford district.
IDRIS MIR (Mir Solicitors)
The nomination reads: "He has invested heavily into the building and so therefore Bradford. Great asset to the city of Bradford. Company has nationwide dealings and Mir Solicitors are a great example of the best Bradford has to offer. He started out at Morney Mitchells in South Leeds, eventually set up own successful firm has also been Bradford Law Society President for two years. Has been finalist for Solicitor of the year twice - nationwide awards. He is a great believer in Bradford and demonstrates this whenever he can. Attends as many events as possible and very popular on the networking front. Idris is great for the city, has invested in a property local to where he has grown up. Employs people not only form the local area but his firm attracts workforce from all over the country."
MARK BOWERS (Redfern Travel)
The nomination reads: "Mark has led Redfern through incredible transformation. Turnover increased by 52% year on year and sales growth averages over 140% per annum over the past five years. In the summer of 2014 he led a successful management buyout. Mark Bowers joined Redfern when it was a company in transition from a traditional business travel turning over approx £8m with 27 employees. In the last two years turnover has increased from £42m to more than £250m. Mark continues to lead a growing team and has ensured Redfern adapted to change both effectively and efficiently. He is an inspirational business leader and very highly regarded across the travel industry."
JOANNA ROBINSON (Mansfield Pollard)
The nomination reads: "Joanna became MD of Mansfield Pollard in early 2013 and established a clear vision for the development of the business. She has championed a culture based on customer focus, quality, integrity, innovation and fun. In its last fiscal year, 2013/14, sales grew by over 30% with Joanna personally managing the customer who was the principle driver of that growth. Joanna is a very visible and accessible leader, who knows every one of her 150 employees by name. She is as comfortable laughing and joking with team members on the shop floor as she is discussing strategy with her senior management team."
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