Yorkshire Business Masters 2011: Yorkshire Grit

YORKSHIRE businesses have faced plenty of adversity in recent times, not least in the shape of some of the most challenging trading conditions seen for a generation.

But firms in the county have shown their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and emerge stronger as a result.

The Yorkshire Business Masters 2011 will celebrate the businesses that have triumphed over adversity in the last year with the Yorkshire Grit award, sponsored by NatWest.

Andy Lowther, director of NatWest Commercial Banking in South Yorkshire, said: “We are extremely supportive of local businesses and are looking forward to celebrating the success of the businesses who have overcome significant challenges.

” With over 1.2m of the country’s SMEs banking with NatWest, we genuinely understand the challenges they face. Local businesses are the absolute cornerstone of what we do and it is paramount that we celebrate the region’s success stories and demonstrate how they have overcome difficult times.

“This fits perfectly with the bank’s commitment to supporting commercially viable local businesses through both good and bad periods. We are seeking nominations from businesses that, by being enterprising or by sheer determination, have overcome issues and prospered in the recession. This could be through demonstrating entrepreneurship, an innovative approach and ways of doing business which has had a significant impact on their company. We want to know what drives you to succeed and what sets you apart from the competition.

“At NatWest we continue to listen to and work with our business customers and we are committed to providing finance for commercially sound business ideas.”

Sheffield Forgemasters won the award last year after surviving an uncertain spell to become a major global player. Share Jewellers, which was hit by two armed robberies, and recruitment firm Renovo were shortlisted.

The Yorkshire Business Masters 2011 takes place on June 16 at Aspire, in Leeds.

Starting at noon, the event begins with a champagne reception, followed by a three course lunch accompanied by fine wine.

Tickets are priced £125 plus VAT each and are sold in pairs.

The Yorkshire Business Masters 2011 is also supported by Walker Morris, KPMG, Credit Agricole, Leeds University Business School and Welcome to Yorkshire.

All this week, TheBusinessDesk.com is taking a closer look at the six award categories in the Yorkshire Business Masters 2011.

Read about the Yorkshire Newcomer category here.