KEIGHLEY and Airedale's coveted Business Awards have received a glowing tribute.

A civic reception has been held at City Hall in Bradford.

Award winners, those who earned special recognition, sponsors and organisers attended.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Abid Hussain, said he was delighted to host the reception following the massive success of this summer's ceremony.

More than 230 guests packed into Keighley's Victoria Hall for the fifth annual glittering awards night, in June.

The initiative is organised by the business community, with Bradford Council as a partner.

At the reception, Steve Burles – co-chairman of the organising team – introduced the winners, who each spoke about the impact of their awards success.

And he announced that the launch event for next year's extravaganza would be held at Keighley College on November 6.

Darren Burrell – from Silsden-based Snugpak, this year's winner of the prestigious Overall Business of the Year accolade – said the response had been "fantastic".

"Our staff were delighted to be recognised and many businesses made contact with us through social and mainstream media after hearing about our success," he said.

"Snugpak continues to compete internationally, making quality insulated clothing that serves all kinds of users including the armed services. We've met orders from as far afield as Japan and the USA."

Yvonne Sinclair Consulting, winner of the New Business of the Year award, said news of its success had spread globally.

"I want all businesses to recognise the importance of social media," said Yvonne.

"Whilst in Italy I met investment bankers, who immediately congratulated me on my success in the awards!

"I hadn't expected to win, as my business is small and quite specialist.

"But the application process was simple."

Her firm helps other businesses and organisations meet safeguarding obligations.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said the awards continued to go from strength to strength.

"The event gets better and better every year," she said.

"The master of ceremonies, Harry Gration, is a star. He has a busy job but still comes along and supports the awards each time.

"And the hall looked stunning.

"Congratulations to the businesses for getting behind the awards and taking a lead in growing the event."

She added: "There is a fantastic range of businesses profiled at Keighley and Airedale Business Awards and it was great to see so many of them again at the civic reception.

"We want everyone to talk about their success. Too often we don't shout about the strengths we have."

For more details about the awards, visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk.