Companies have just days left to enter this year’s Keighley Business Awards.

The prestigious project, which recognises the outstanding work and achievements of businesses across the Keighley district, is being repeated following the huge success of the inaugural scheme last year.

Awards will be presented in a glittering ceremony at Victoria Hall, Keighley, on Friday, May 16, hosted by BBC Look North’s Harry Gration. The deadline for entries is Monday.

Philip Smith, chairman of the awards steering committee, said: “These awards provide a great platform for businesses to get recognition for their achievements and to further promote their products and services. We hope as many people as possible take up the opportunity to enter so we can repeat the success of last year.”

The free-to-enter scheme is split into ten categories – New Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Employer of the Year, Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Manufacturer/Engineering Business of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year, Food and Drink Business of the Year and Health and Beauty Business of the Year.

There will also be an overall winner.

Last year’s Business of the Year crown went to Fenetic Wellbeing, which sells mobility and healthcare products. This year it is sponsoring one of the categories.

The headline sponsor is Silsden-based Advanced Actuators, which makes complex hydraulic machinery used in gas, oil and nuclear industries around the world.

Last month the company won high praise from Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne when he visited its Ryefield Way premises.

Stephen Lund, joint managing director, said this week: “We are delighted to be supporting the business awards.

“We are proud Yorkshire people with the support of Yorkshire suppliers and their partners, which has helped us develop.

“We produce bespoke equipment, and the ability to be able to see people locally and discuss things with them is a big advantage. Our company is a relatively small employer but we are expanding and offering apprenticeships to young people. It is great that the business awards are being held to recognise successful companies.”

Last year the firm spent £1 million with local suppliers. It recently won a £300,000 contract in China.

The Keighley Business Awards steering committee includes: Airedale Enterprise Services, the Airedale Shopping Centre, Bingley Chamber of Trade and Commerce, CB Digital PR, Clough and Company chartered accountants, Hayfield Robinson, the Keighley News, Keighley Town Centre Association and Puddle Digital.

Businesses can enter online at keighleybusinessawards.co.uk/keighley-business-awards-categories/. Further information and tickets for the awards night, can be obtained through the website.