BUSINESS AWARDS: ‘Sheffield is my favourite city in Yorkshire’ says host Harry Gration

He said: “One or two people have said to me, ‘It’s the guy from Look Leeds!

“But Sheffield is my favourite city in Yorkshire - it’s the best place for many things. I ran the half marathon in April and the support I had when I ran up those hills was remarkable.

“I’ve never been a Leeds United supporter, I support York City because that’s where I live, but my second team is Sheffield United.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply for an award and The Star for helping to organise the event.

“Great cities need great newspapers and The Star is a great newspaper.”

New Sheffield Chamber president Jillian Thomas said there had been a record number of entries and she knew how it felt to be nominated - and win.

She added: “Five years ago, I was one of the companies who had been shortlisted for start-up business of the year.

“My stomach was churning, as the evening went on, nausea took over, to the point when the announcement was made I’d lost all feeling in my legs. I couldn’t even blame alcohol, because none had crossed my lips.

“When our name was announced, and as I made my way to the stage, all I kept saying to myself was, ‘head up, shoulders back, stomach in, don’t fall over’.”

Sheffield Chamber lobbied for members on crucial issues including HS3 - high speed rail services across the Pennines - locating the HS2 station in Sheffield city centre and offer exporting advice and cost-saving products and services, she added.

“In the current economic environment, with endless spending cuts, I believe that there has never been a more important time for Sheffield Chamber to represent its members.

“To all of you who are members, thank you. To those of you who aren’t, over the next couple of weeks we will let you know why you should be.”