KEIGHLEY'S glittering Business Awards will be staged again next year.

And organisers plan to build on the success of the initiative, which has spiralled in stature since the inaugural event last year.

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

"The awards are now an established highlight of our business calendar and next year's will further build on the tremendous success of previous events," said Keighley town centre manager Philip Smith, who chairs the organising committee.

"The event's success is in large part due to our fantastic sponsors, who continue to back such commercial ventures in our community. Without sponsorship the awards would not be possible, so we are grateful for the continued support.

"In 2015 there are exciting, new awards categories and more opportunities to promote local enterprises."

Categories 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 this year's awards ceremony – will return to host the 2015 extravaganza, being held at Victoria Hall on June 12.

A pre-launch event will take place at Leeds City College Keighley Campus on January 13, when more information will be unveiled and the steering committee will be available to answer questions.

Mr Smith said a range of sponsorship packages was available and existing backers were delighted with their involvement.

The 2014 headline sponsor was Advanced Group Companies.

Chris Woodhead, for the firm, said: "The Keighley Business Awards are beneficial in developing local business relationships – and the ceremony was a damn good night out too!

"We were very proud to be involved."

Hundreds of people filled Victoria Hall for May's glitzy presentation evening.

Stealing the show on the night was Airedale Springs, which registered a hat-trick of wins, including the coveted Business of the Year title.

Visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk/ for further details.