OVER forty entries have been received for this year's Keighley Business Awards.

The deadline for companies to compete for accolades in the coveted annual scheme has now passed.

And organisers say they are delighted with the response.

About 45 entries, both in digital and paper form, have been submitted.

Keighley town centre manager Philip Smith, chairman of the organising committee, said: "We've got a good mixture of businesses, some taking part for the first time and others which have entered before.

"The awards are now an established highlight of our business calendar and this year's are set to be another fantastic success, building on what has been achieved in the past two years.

"We have new award categories and increased opportunities for local enterprises to promote themselves."

Awards will be presented across 10 categories, with a top accolade going to the overall Business of the Year.

Categories up for grabs include New Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Independent Trader of the Year, Manufacturer/Engineering Business of the Year, Apprentice/Trainee Business of the Year, Financial/Professional Services Business of the Year, Excellence in Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility, Excellence in Overseas Trade and Success Through Innovation and Diversification.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration – who compered last year's awards ceremony – will return to host the 2015 event, being held at Victoria Hall on June 12.

Mr Smith said although entries were now closed, there were still ways in which people could get involved.

"The awards ceremony promises to be a fantastic night – the great and good will be there, including the Lord Mayor – so it is a wonderful opportunity to promote your business to a wide audience," he said.

"We have tickets available and on-screen advertising, plus we are looking for an associate sponsor."

The headline sponsor is Keighley Town Centre Association and other sponsors already signed-up include Airedale Springs – which last year picked up three awards including the top title – and Fenetic Wellbeing, which was victorious at the inaugural awards in 2013.

Visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk/ for more details.