It seems only a few years ago that it was not publicly acknowledged. Now it is so widely agreed as to be almost a clich - people are the most important asset in any business.

No matter how advanced the technology, how good the final product, how creative the concept, it is people who deliver in driving enterprises forward, caring for customers and seeking new opportunities.

Every role is important in commerce, whether working on a production line or providing the essential vision and inspiration which helps businesses grow and seek new products, services or markets.

I was the sole employee of Severfield-Reeve Projects when it was launched as the design build division of structural steel fabricator, Severfield-Reeve plc almost 20 years ago.

Now we have grown to become among York and North Yorkshire's leading integrated design build and development companies with a multi-million pound turnover and a track record for creating innovative landmark developments.

These include the new headquarters for Dowding and Mills at Clifton Moor, York; premises to house the new initiative between North Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service at Clifton Moor and a new medical centre for Jorvik Medical Practice.

In achieving this we have grown from one person - me - into an extremely effective team which has just achieved IS0 9001 accreditation. Our success is not down to any single individual, but the wealth of hard working young people who have brought a go-getting, entrepreneurial instinct to our enterprise.

In cities like York, where traditional industries such as railways, engineering and confectionery are in decline and where the ability to work hard is not in question, entrepreneurs are essential to provide the vision and take the risks in identifying and starting new ventures which will create jobs, replace old industries and help York and North Yorkshire diversify and compete internationally for years to come.

For this reason Severfield-Reeve Projects is delighted to be sponsoring this award in recognition both of young people who drive businesses forward by adding that bit extra to their role in the team and those who are striking out on their own. We wish them all every success with their entries.

Updated: 09:56 Tuesday, June 01, 2004