KEIGHLEY Business Awards have become so successful that they are being expanded along the Aire Valley.

The prestigious annual awards will in future be known as the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards to take in the larger number of companies active in the area.

The name change recognises the important role that the awards have in encouraging networking, showcasing quality and increasing business confidence.

News of the awards’ expansion was revealed to members of Bradford Council’s Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The committee held its latest meeting in Keighley to discuss a range of issues affecting the town, including proposed traffic improvements, the land the Worth Valley Shopping Centre, the derelict Keighley College site, and the council’s warden service.

A report on the business awards reveal that the event has grown since 2013 to provide a cross sector showcase for business excellence.

The report states: “The 2016 awards, held in June, recognised Acorn Stairlifts as Business of the Year.

“Once more the awards aimed to provide a platform for local businesses to showcase achievements, sometimes for the first time.

“The awards have become recognised as a quality event on the business calendar. The awards operate in an accessible and participatory fashion.

“The awards have facilitated networking, have demonstrated local business quality, and have made a contribution to the confidence of businesses in the town. Participating businesses have used the platform provided in their marketing, recruitment and local profile.”

The business awards, hosted for the past three years by TV presenter Harry Gration, are funded through sponsorship and ticket sales.

The awards are supported by an organising committee consisting of businesses and public sector organisations that provide support to businesses.

Committee members include Respond Marketing, Airedale Enterprise Services, the Airedale Shopping Centre, M & M Office Services, Bradford Council’s Regeneration and the Airedale Partnership, Hayfield Robinson, Keighley College, Keighley BID, Bradford Council and Puddle Digital.

This year’s business awards were attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, the Keighley town mayor, and Bradford Council’s leader and portfolio holder for regeneration.