The event is timed to coincide with Black History Month, a national initiative held every October in Britain to commemorate and celebrate the achievements of Black African and Caribbean people.

Over 250 guests attended the event which was sponsored by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and organised by ATL (Asian Trades Link) in association with Business Link West Yorkshire and Leeds City Council.

Guest speakers included Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley MBE, Arshad Javed of ATL and Paul Rogerson, chief executive of Leeds City Council.

Yorkshire Forward Board member, Laura Moynahan, presented the a number of awards.

Bakery

Young Entrepreneur went to Mark Morris from Bradford-based On the Mark cleaning services.

Alpha Kebe from Leeds and Knaresborough-based Croissant d'Or café and bakery picked up the Male Entrepreneur award.

Sharon Curtis, from the Sheffield-based Ellesmere Children's Centre, won best Female Entrepreneur and Dexter Roberts, from Huddersfield recording studio Beaumont Street Studios received the Social Entrepreneur award.

Business Personality of the Year was awarded to Randolf Victor who runs Bradford-based Principal Reprographic Services (PRS) Ltd.

Clinton Cameron, chair of the YBEC steering group, said: "In a year which will go down in history for the fantastic achievements of black people, such as Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, it is great to know that Yorkshire has its own outstanding black entrepreneurs who are making their own unique mark across the region."