PREPARATIONS for this year's glittering Keighley Business Awards are gathering pace.

Keighley Business Improvement District (BID) has already been announced as the headline sponsor.

And last year's overall winner, Feature Radiators, is also among the backers.

There are nine categories in this year's awards, including a new one, Hospitality/Leisure Business of the Year.

Other sections are 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 and Success Through Innovation and Diversification.

Entries close on Friday, May 6.

The awards ceremony takes place at Keighley's Victoria Hall on June 17 and will again be compered by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration.

The initiative has continued to grow since its launch in 2013 and the presentation night is now a highlight of the district's business calendar, with tickets selling out in the past two years.

"The awards provide an opportunity for local businesses to promote their achievements – to other businesses, Keighley and the wider world," said a spokesman.

"This annual showcase captures some of the spirit of enterprise that the BID company wants to support and promote."

Steve Burles, joint chairman of the awards, said: "We are delighted to have the sponsorship of the new Keighley BID company and are determined to see the awards surpass the success of previous years for our entrants and sponsors."

The BID is set to generate £1.4 million over the next five years for improvements to Keighley town centre.

It secured a majority vote last November, with 78.6 per cent of businesses supporting the scheme in a ballot. Of the 131 votes cast, 103 were in favour.

As part of the venture, firms will pay a 1.5 per cent levy on top of their standard business rate – money used to make the town more attractive to potential customers.

Keighley BID chairman Graham Benn said he was delighted the scheme was supporting the awards.

"Marketing of the town and its businesses is essential and we are glad to be able to assist the awards which continue to provide a quality showcase for Keighley," he said.

Other businesses interested in sponsoring the awards are being sought.

Visit keighleybusinessawards.co.uk for more details and to enter.