(PLEASE INCLUDE PHOTO CREDIT FOR CHARLES WALLER)

BUSINESSES in and around Keighley which help generate prosperity and employment have been honoured for their contributions.

The third annual Keighley Business Awards was successfully staged in Victoria Hall last Friday. (June 12)

The coveted overall 2015 Business of the Year Award went to the firm Feature Radiators, which also scooped three individual category awards.

Katie Findlay, who co-founded the company with her husband Phil Jackson 14 years ago, said: "We feel very humbled and overwhelmed, just chuffed to bits!

"We are a destination business and bring a lot of new trade into the area because we have customers coming to us from all over the UK.

"We have our premises in Bingley Main Street, and we're very passionate about supporting high streets. High street shops are disappearing, but they are so important for the community.

"We treat our customers the way we would want to be treated, and our main business comes from repeat custom and word of mouth."

Feature Radiators picked up the category awards for Small Business of the Year, sponsored by BNI Airedale Aspire, the award for excellence in corporate, social and environmental responsibility, sponsored by the Keighley News, and the prize for success through innovation and diversification, sponsored by HSBC Bank.

Last week's black-tie ceremony was compered by journalist and presenter Harry Gration, one of the anchors of BBC regional news programme Look North.

Introducing the presentations, Mr Gration said: "I'm here for the second year. It was such an uplifting event last time I wanted to do this again.

"I think we should show everybody that Keighley is a place that is buzzing."

Speaking at the start of the evening, which featured drinks, a three-course meal and magicians' performances, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford's portfolio holder for employments, skills and culture, said: "Every year the awards get a little bit better. They show what Keighley is capable of and show the energy and can-do attitude of businesses here.

"There is a lot going on in Keighley and we need to champion that."

Bradford Lord Mayor Cllr Joanne Dodds said: "We can't overestimate the massive contribution businesses make to society in creating prosperity and employment.

"I know Keighley is a town that prides itself on its no-nonsense attitude, independent spirit and appetite for hard work."

Keighley town mayor Cllr Javaid Akhtar said: "It's important to promote our businesses and to get behind our town.

"Keighley Town Council is one of the founding members of Keighley Town Centre Association, and it's great to see that the association is headline sponsor of this event.

"We'll continue to welcome events of this calibre to boost Keighley's profile."

Philip Smith, chairman of the awards steering committee, said: "I'd like to thank all of our sponsors, and in particular the Keighley Business Awards associate sponsors Advanced Actuators, Hayfield Robinson and Rotherwood Recruitment.

"Without their support we certainly wouldn't have been able to put on such a positive and successful event. I'm very grateful for their assistance."