COVETED Keighley and Airedale Business Awards will be handed out at a glittering ceremony on Friday night (June 30).

The initiative, rewarding the cream of the area's businesses, has grown massively since its launch in 2013.

The not-for-profit event now occupies a major spot in the business community calendar.

Journalist and TV anchorman Harry Gration is once again presenting the awards, at Keighley's Victoria Hall, and he said he expects this year's extravaganza "to go with a fizz".

Accolades will be given to an array of businesses, of all sizes.

Howard Martin, co-chairman of the awards and director of Respond Marketing, said the event was run by the business sector and those organisations which aimed to support it.

"It is fantastic to be supported by business to present a quality event for the promotion of local success," he said.

"Providing this kind of showcase is no small job but very worthwhile, because success breeds success.

"When something like this begins, you do not expect to worry that Victoria Hall might not be big enough!

"We will have over 230 guests on the night.

"We're grateful to all those who organise, participate and work together to get behind local business."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Abid Hussain, will formally open the sell-out event.

Businesses that have sponsored categories – and the winners – will be presented to the audience, which will also hear from Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe and chief executive Kersten England.

Entry in the awards was open to businesses across Airedale.

Organisers say the event helps businesses "achieve the recognition they deserve", both locally and further afield.

Several former winners, such as Acorn Stairlifts and Feature Radiators, have subsequently won further awards following success locally.

And other victors have gone on to sponsor categories.

Bradford councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, regeneration portfolio holder, said: "The extension of the awards area to the rest of Airedale was a welcome development this year."

And Ian Hayfield – for Keighley Business Club, headline sponsor of the event – said: "This can only be good for the town and it is great to see."

The business club is among developments funded by Keighley Business Improvement District (BID).

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