Brand new awards – backed by the Keighley News – are up for grabs to recognise the outstanding achievements of local businesses.

Prestigious Keighley Business Awards are being launched this week by local firms and associations keen to honour and showcase top performers.

A glittering presentation evening, including a black-tie dinner and entertainment, will take place at Octagon Live in Bradford Road, Sandbeds, on March 22. And your favourite weekly read will be there to record every one of the super success stories.

Business Doctors sales director, Kathryn Thornton, is chairing the organising steering group.

She said: “We are all very positive and passionate about Keighley and Airedale and the growth within the area.

“We have so many fantastic businesses doing great things and we want them to be recognised in their own right.

“Nominations can be submitted online and a shortlist will be drawn up. Winners will be chosen by independent, expert judges.”

Awards are divided into ten categories, all of which are listed below.

Businesses from across the Keighley, South Craven and Worth Valley area can be nominated, from Cowling and Silsden to Wilsden, Denholme and Oxenhope.

Keighley News editor, Richard Parker, said: “What a fantastic effort by everyone involved to get this exciting initiative off the ground.

“Keighley and its environs has a wealth of top-performing businesses, all of which are defying the current economic climate to prosper, helping boost the local jobs market in the process. They absolutely deserve their moment in the spotlight, and we’re proud to be a part of these fabulous awards.”

Organisers are also seeking businesses interested in sponsoring the awards, either for categories or as headline sponsors.

Visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk for full details about the awards scheme, to make a nomination.

Deadline for entries is mid to late February. See future editions of the Keighley News for all the latest updates.

People wishing to offer sponsorship can contact Keighley town centre manager Philip Smith on 01535 618085.

Partners in the awards scheme – in addition to Business Doctors and the Keighley News – include Airedale Enterprise Services, the Airedale Shopping Centre, Bingley Chamber, Bradford Chamber, Leeds City College, Keighley Town Centre Association and Puddle Digital Performance.

 

CATEGORIES

Special Recognition Award – Winner to be nominated by the public. Nominated businesses will be shortlisted and displayed on the website for public voting.

Employee of the Year – To celebrate staff and their effect on the business, from increased sales and revenue to introducing innovative ideas.

Employer of the Year – For the organisation that can best demonstrate how the design and implementation of its human resources policy has created a stimulating and supportive workplace.

Entrepreneur of the Year – This seeks to define the qualities of successful entrepreneurship, from drive, ambition, vision and tenacity to inspirational leadership, inventiveness and confidence.

Young Business Person of the Year – Judges will look for evidence of product/service strength in the market, financial planning and future forecasting, mission statement and goals achieved, among many other criteria.

Business of the Year – Recognising the best companies with a turnover of more than £500,000.

Environment-Friendly Business of the Year – Judges will be seeking evidence of a strong commitment to putting environmental issues at the centre of the business agenda, a strong environmental ethos within the organisation and strategies to reduce waste.

Large Business of the Year – Particular attention will be paid to managerial and financial performance, evidence of success against targets, potential for growth, long-term plans and company strategy.

Small to Medium Size Business of the Year – Open to all organisations with a turnover of no more than £25 million in the past financial year.

New Business of the Year – Focusing on the business plan, judges will look at how targets and key performance indicators have been exceeded and the vision for growth.