WHAT a terrific celebration of Yorkshire entrepreneurial flair.

From underwear designers to games designers, from children's books publishers to software publishers, last night's Evening Press Business Awards highlighted the tremendous diversity among our modern merchant adventurers.

And what stories emerged. The gathering was left to consider what might have been, as the career of our Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ian Johnston was revealed.

As chairman of Terry's he plotted a management buy-out with six fellow directors in 1981. They came within a whisker of succeeding before United Biscuits trumped their bid.

Considering that Terry's succumbed to a multinational's indifference, the all-too plausible conclusion was that the company might be thriving still had Mr Johnston brought it back into local ownership.

At 79, he can look back on a remarkable career. For 28-year-old Matthew Machin and his family, their life in retailing has only just begun.

But what a start. Last year the Balloon Tree Farmshop And Caf was named New Business Of The Year; this time around it scooped three honours, including the big one.

Today the 2005 Evening Press Business Of The Year was toasting its success in champagne. The bubbly is about the only item in the shop bought in from elsewhere.

In an age of blandly flawless supermarket fruit, the Balloon Tree's seasonal produce, plucked fresh from the fields, is leading a lip-smacking revival of Yorkshire's farming heritage.

Congratulations to all our finalists and many thanks to our sponsors and judges. You made this year's awards the best yet.

Updated: 10:19 Friday, November 18, 2005