WHAT a lot of good and innovative businesses there are in and around York. Once again, the Evening Press Business Awards have highlighted the rich diversity of firms operating in this area.

The main honours went to Pocklington Coachworks, the York-based company that builds trailers for Formula One teams. As well as zooming to victory as the business of the year, the firm also scooped the Progress Through People award.

Managing director Fran Johnson was clearly delighted to win the leading award. He punched the air in triumph and exclaimed "Wow!"

All power to Mr Johnson and his hard-working, innovative team'. It was his night, their night - and a great occasion for all local businesses.

As happens each year, this competition pinpoints the many strengths of local business. All the entries were highly impressive and all indicated the quality and range of businesses hard at work in keeping this area alive, through good times and bad.

There is strength in diversity and the array of companies represented last night at Merchant Adventurers' Hall in York shows how many different firms, all working in so many contrasting areas of industry, help to bolster this region. What was also evident was that good firms look ahead, by developing their people and having a firm commitment to the future.

Fran Johnson knows the value of such an approach. His investment in people, often surrounding himself with those who knew more than him but were prepared to share his vision, helped him to win a strong market in the notoriously difficult world of Formula One.

Congratulations to Pocklington Coachworks and to all other winners; thanks to everyone who took part with such enthusiasm. And how encouraging that the awards were so well supported by big and established businesses in the area - some of which entered while others were happy to act as sponsors.

So thanks to all - and now we can look forward to next year's competition.

Updated: 11:56 Friday, December 07, 2001