BUSINESSES are being urged to put themselves forward for a prestigious annual awards scheme.

Entries have now opened for this year’s Keighley and Airedale Business Awards.

There are nearly a dozen categories in the initiative, now in its seventh year.

Sections include new business, micro business, small and medium-sized enterprise, independent trader, manufacturing and engineering, apprentice/trainee/young professional, social enterprise, hospitality, media business of the year and business personality of the year.

An Overall Business of the Year accolade will be awarded to one of the category winners, chosen by the headline sponsor Keighley Business Club – part of Keighley Business Improvement District.

Presentations will be made at an awards evening at the town’s Victoria Hall on Friday, June 21.

The event will again by hosted by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, who has now performed the honours for five years.

“These awards just get better and better,” he said.

Organisers say it promises to be “another inspirational evening”, showcasing the talents and achievements of Airedale’s business community.

Co-chairman Steve Burles, of Puddle Digital, said: “We’ve got used to being surprised by the achievements and warmth of the businesses entering. That’s why we are promoting these awards again for a seventh year!”

And fellow chairman, Howard Martin, encourages businesses to enter.

“If you are busier than ever and doubtful whether people appreciate what you do, the reality is yes you probably are busier than ever and yes people do appreciate what you do – which is why you should enter!”

Entry to the awards is free.

For more details and to submit an entry, visit keighleyairedalebusinessawards.co.uk.