WHAT a fantastic evening. In the historic setting of the Merchant Adventurers Hall, long-standing symbol of this city's entrepreneurial spirit, we saluted the best in business last night.

The Evening Press Business Of The Year awards are a celebration of the quality and diversity of regional commerce. Congratulations and thanks go to the winners and all the entrants who contribute so much to local prosperity.

The prestige of the awards, endorsed this year by Greg Dyke, director general of the BBC, was evident in the delight of the winners. We look forward to chronicling the future endeavours of this fleet of modern merchant adventurers.

Updated: 11:20 Friday, November 22, 2002