A KEIGHLEY company is marking its 40th anniversary after emerging "stronger and fitter" from the challenges of the pandemic.

Keybury Fire and Security has retained its full 50-strong team – and is set to expand.

"We were designated key workers quite early on in the pandemic," said joint managing director, Frank Gee.

"Throughout lockdown we had a team that provided 24-hour emergency call-out cover.

"We put in place full safety measures and have done – and continue to do – everything possible to keep both our team and customers safe.

"We've not only survived recent testing times, but have emerged stronger and fitter – and extremely well equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities."

Mr Gee co-founded the company with his wife Tricia, who is the joint MD.

The business – whose headquarters are at Worth Enterprise Park, in Valley Road – now covers the whole of the north of England.

It has regional offices in Ilkley, Harrogate and Skipton.

Its workforce has continued to grow, whilst retention levels are also strong – multiple members of staff have been with the firm for a decade or more, a links longevity which is reflected in the customer base too.

Keybury says pivotal to the company's success is its emphasis on keeping up-to-date with latest industry innovations and standards.

Technical director, Patrick Beebe, said: "We’re continually working with suppliers, local wherever possible, to provide the newest technology and the highest quality for our customers. We firmly believe that the high quality of our equipment, team and work is what sets us apart."

The business has won a string of national and regional awards over the years, and has long held National Security Inspectorate gold approval.

In 2019, the company received a Plastic Free Business Champion accolade from Surfers Against Sewage – a Cornwall-based grassroots movement tackling plastic pollution globally – and it continues to build on its 'green' credentials by working to further reduce both waste and carbon emissions.

Keybury is also renowned for its charitable efforts. Employees have taken part in a series of gruelling, annual challenges which together have raised over £16,000 – primarily for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, Manorlands.

During lockdown, lower-key socially-distanced fundraising events have been staged. And around a dozen members of staff are currently lined-up to undertake a Zip the Cow event – at the Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley – this summer for Manorlands.