POTENTIAL entrants in this year's glittering Keighley Business Awards are being invited to a pre-launch event.

People will have the chance to find out more about the prestigious prizes on offer in the third annual extravaganza.

And would-be sponsors are also being encouraged to attend.

The pre-launch, at Leeds City College Keighley Campus on Tuesday (Jan 13), at 6.30pm, also offers the opportunity to speak to members of the organising committee and to network.

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

"There are exciting new award categories and more opportunities to promote local enterprises.

"Nine businesses have already agreed sponsorship so far – and we are thrilled with the positive response – but we are looking for more, including a VIP sponsor for the Business of the Year."

A range of sponsorship packages is available.

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.

Hundreds of people filled Victoria Hall for last May's presentation evening, when the star performer was Airedale Springs, which registered a hat-trick of wins including Business of the Year.

Visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk/ for further information and to register for the pre-launch event.