This award went Arif Patel of Preston-based Faisaltex. Along with his brothers Munaf and Faisal, Arif formed Faisaltex in 1987. It has since become one of the largest sock manufacturers in the UK. Since 1994 Arif has been a consul general for the Republic of Liberia and the family recntly bought into their local football club Preston North End. He was joined on stage by his brothers and given the award by Nighat Awan OBE.

Winners of this award wereIcon Designs Ltd, who provide memory mattresses and office furniture. Established three years ago, from their four factories they now supply to over 800 outlets across the country. They employ over 60 staff and even have a "green" policy as mattresses fit in hatchbacks therefore saving on transport emissions. MD Faisal Akbar and FD Muhammed Hussain received the award, thanking "Our staff and everyone who has believed in us."

This award went to Fazila and Abdul Malik of Bolton-based Fazila Foods. Founded in 2002, Fazila Foods manufactures and distributes ethnic food products. Among the company's 27 staff, four team leaders reflect the activities of the business, and the low turnover of staff marks Fazila Foods out as an employer to watch in the region. Receiving her award, Fazila Malik said: "This award is really for our staff, who work so hard and really deserve this recognition."

This was awarded to Manchester-based UR Tone, a revolutionary and award-winning wireless platform established last year. The technology allows listeners to hear small chunks of selected songs before they decide whether to buy them as a ringtone; Orange is already offering UR Tone to millions of subscribers across its network, and the company has also won contracts with Warner Bros in the US.

Manchester's Seamark plc won this award, with chief executive Iqbal Ahmed OBE taking the stage with his sons. Seamark have operated a state-of-the-art, purpose-built factory in Droylsden since 1991, as well as a cutting-edge facility in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Iqbal Ahmed said: "Becoming an international business has been a bitter experience and a great experience; having set up in Oldham in 1976, we struggled so much but we had what so many Asian businesses enjoy - very good families - which have been so important to us."

This award went to Inkjec (UK) Ltd, who specialize in the development and supply of affordable inks and toner cartridges to wholesalers and retailers across Europe.

Inkjec offer an on-site cartridge refilling and inkjet recycling service. Inkjec's Yakub Yusuf received the award, and called for other businesses to "do their bit" to help the environment.