A CONTEST has been launched to identify the best exporter in Keighley and Ilkley.

MP Kris Hopkins is calling for nominations from businesses making products in the constituency and sold beyond British borders, with a particular focus on the manufacturing and creative industries.

All entries will also be automatically forwarded for inclusion in a national campaign promoted by Exported by Britain, and featured on an interactive map of nominations from across the country.

Exported by Britain is an initiative run by the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG) and the All-Party Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group (APDIG).

Mr Hopkins said: “We must celebrate our manufacturing and creative industries heritage in Keighley and Ilkley.

“There is a strong tradition here for innovation and our products are widely-celebrated on the international stage.

“A large proportion of the British manufacturing base is centred in Yorkshire, and Keighley and Ilkley firms play a major part in that.

“We want to uncover our hidden champions, not only so we can celebrate their success, but expose young people to the rich tapestry of business and careers opportunities available to them locally.

“I’m asking for nominations for products and firms that play a part in our British export market and put Keighley and Ilkley on the global map. The aim of this campaign is to highlight the successes on our doorstep.”

Chris Stott, business manager at Leeds City College, said: “There is a wide gamut of highly successful and innovative manufacturing companies in Keighley and Ilkley producing everything from high tech boilers to components for the Euro Fighter.

“The skills of these businesses are in demand around the world resulting in many Keighley and Ilkley companies exporting a large proportion of their product – some as much as 90 per cent.

"Many cars for example, contain components that have been made here, no matter what country the vehicle is assembled in. These companies often go unnoticed and their success uncelebrated.

“From an educational perspective we need to raise the profile of our vibrant manufacturing sector to help attract bright young people into apprenticeships to continue to sustain the skills and to support its continued growth.”

Nominations close on October 30, with the winner being announced in spring 2016 at Mr Hopkins’ second annual careers fair which will be held at the Keighley Campus of Leeds City College.

Companies should e-mail kris.hopkins.mp@parliament.uk if they wish to submit a nomination.