MP Kris Hopkins was among the speakers at a vibrant business event held at Airedale Enterprise Services in support of the Keighley Business Awards.
MP Kris Hopkins speaking at Airedale Enterprise Services
Dubbed a Post Celebration Event, the invite-only guest list amassed more than 60 attendees representing the thriving local business economy. That Keighley and the surrounding area is developing a diverse, healthy crop of new and established businesses was clear from the varied speakers featured over the course of the luncheon event held on 18th September.
Three of the event speakers represented firms awarded the title Business of the Year since the Keighley Business Awards were launched in 2013. Tom Applebee of Fenetic Wellbeing, who first picked up the title, explained how the award process had transformed the profile of their business, a sentiment echoed by Airedale Springs representative, Tim Parkinson who highlighted the support received through the initiative. Both businesses are now ‘giving back’ by helping to sponsor this year’s awards. Joel Newis of Bingley-based Feature Radiators explained how winning this, and other regional awards, has helped place their firm as the market leader in their sector.
Hosting the event, Wendy Spencer of Airedale Enterprise Services welcomed everyone to their new premises and outlined the support the organisation offers to start-ups and established business owners, from funding and coaching to affordable office space and competitive training.
Other speakers included Philip Smith from the Keighley Town Centre Association, Headline sponsor and chair of the Keighley Business Awards 2015, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe and Steve Burles, joint chair of the forthcoming 2016 Keighley Business Awards.
Associate event sponsors Advanced Actuators, Hayfield Robinson and Rotherwood Recruitment were thanked for their support along with all the award sponsors.
The success of the event paves the way for the launch of a new local initiative supported by key Keighley stakeholders,The AWWEsome Business Club, to embrace the Aire, Worth and Wharfe valley business communities, details of which will be announced shortly.