A KEIGHLEY bed and furniture retailer which started manufacturing its own products during the pandemic has won a prestigious award.

The family-run firm, Fair Deal Beds & Furniture, has been recognised in the Corporate Livewire Yorkshire Prestige Awards.

It was awarded the Furniture Retailer of the Year accolade as part of the scheme, which shortlists companies from nominations received.

All those shortlisted are then asked to provide evidence of their work, positive feedback from clients and information about previous accreditations for scrutiny by a judging panel.

Fair Deal Beds & Furniture – based at Back Prospect Place, off South Street – was established in 1998.

"We were solely a retailer but when the country went into lockdown we decided the time was right to start manufacturing our own beds and cut out 'the middle man' – therefore guaranteeing best quality at the best prices," says managing director Aleem Khan.

"When my father set up the business his mission was to provide high-quality beds at unbeatable prices.

"We are delighted to receive this award and thank everyone who supported us."

The firm is also looking to expand, and is seeking additional sales and logistics staff.

Tribute is paid to the company by a Keighley district councillor.

Cllr Mohsin Hussain, who represents Keighley Central on Bradford Council, says: "I am pleased to hear that Fair Deal Beds & Furniture has won this award and I congratulate all those involved.

"This shows the great talent we have in Keighley and I wish local businesses the best to thrive in such difficult times."

Organisers of the awards programme said the scheme was set up to celebrate small and independent businesses that "consistently offer excellent products and services".

"Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of any economy," said a spokesperson.

"Although small businesses may not be able to compete with multi-national companies on their size and scale, there is a personalised service-driven focus that is often void from large organisations.

"As part of the awards, people are invited to nominate businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. All shortlisted companies put forward are asked to support their nomination, highlighting the most outstanding parts of their business.

"The judging panel bases its decisions on areas such as service excellence, quality of the product, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, and consistency in performance."