A KEIGHLEY town-centre business is being recognised for its support of people living with dementia.

Pennine Plus, in Cavendish Street, is to receive a Dementia Recognition Award.

The accolade is from Dementia Friendly Keighley – which works to raise awareness of the condition, provides guidance and information and offers support through its services and activities.

Pennine Plus has been a supporter of the charity and the cause for a number of years, assisting with electrical products and installations – both directly to the organisation and people affected by dementia.

But this year the company decided to take its backing to a new level and work on achieving more-formal ‘dementia friendly’ accreditation.

Pennine Plus director, Craig Taylor, said: “We realised that although we have been supporting the charity and its members in an unofficial role, it was about time we took a more proactive approach.

“We thought that there were more things we could do to help support those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“And as next year is our 50th birthday, we believe gaining the accreditation would be a great achievement in our golden year!

“The process of becoming ‘dementia friendly’ is designed by the Alzheimer’s Society and is about ensuring that those affected by the condition – be it those with dementia themselves, their families or carers – are considered by a business to try to make their shopping experience or time at work as comfortable as possible.”

Amongst its measures, Pennine Plus has made a commitment to review signage to make it easier to interpret – and improve its website, for better navigation of the pages.

“We are proud that our efforts to help support people in the community have been recognised and it reflects our focus on service,” Craig added.

The business will be recognised at Dementia Friendly Keighley’s annual general meeting.

Pennine Plus can trace its roots back to when Geoffrey Higgins and some friends created an aerial installation and television repair company called ESC TV Ltd.

That has evolved into the business today, which has retained its independence.

For further information about Dementia Friendly Keighley and the range of support and services it offers, visit dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk.