ORGANISERS of the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards have hailed the event as a huge success.

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the glittering ceremony made its return at Victoria Hall in Keighley.

This year’s event – sponsored by Bradford Council – was hosted by BBC Look North weather presenter, Paul Hudson.

Paul – who was born and brought up in Keighley – was taking over as host from his late friend and Look North colleague Harry Gration, who was a long-time supporter of the awards. He died in June.

Accolades were handed out across several categories including New Business, Micro Business, SME Business, Independent Trader, Manufacturing and Engineering Business, Apprentice/Trainee, Social Enterprise, Hospitality, Creative Business and Business Personality of the Year – with one winner also taking the coveted Overall Business of the Year crown.

In addition, runners-up received special recognition.

The awards chair, Steve Burles, says: "It was an honour to welcome such a diverse group of talented individuals and businesses to the ceremony.

"It was an evening full of celebration and laughter, which is exactly what we needed after a turbulent few years.

"The booming Keighley and Airedale business community is proof that us northerners won’t go down without a fight! Here’s to 2023!"

Winner of the Independent Trader of the Year Award and the evening's top overall honour was Vanilla Etc.

The family-run firm ­– based at Oakwood Business Park, in Royd Way, Keighley – offers a wide range of vanilla products.

A company spokesperson said it was delighted to receive the awards, adding: "It was a wonderful evening – with great food and great company. It made such a welcome change after the last couple of years.

"Well done to all involved. It was a huge honour to receive our awards and it makes us even more proud to be part of the Keighley and Airedale business community."

The evening also saw the presentation of a 'surprise' honour, a Special Recognition for Services to the Community award, to Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

David Crampsey, the trust's executive medical director, said: "It was a fantastic evening and an amazing surprise to receive the recognition. It was brilliant to see the entrepreneurial spirit and power of the voluntary sector and communities recognised in so many of the awards."

Full details of all the award winners, plus photos from the night, can be found at keighleyairedalebusinessawards.co.uk.