The reasons behind the collapse of the textile industry, with the loss of thousands of jobs, are well documented. For many the old adage of from clogs to clogs in three generations has also proved to be true.

But as more and more of the old mills are recycled into modern homes, there are thankfully still those visionaries who believe there is a future in the industry. Not only are they putting their money where there mouths are, but they are also world leaders.

Take for example The Wyedean Weaving Company, which is this week celebrating 40 years of being based in Haworth.

In its cut-throat section of the industry it has beaten off foreign competition -- which brought about the demise of so many companies. The reason? The firm has the ability to produce goods to a rarely-matched high standard.

For the record, Wyedean supplied the British forces with their Union Flag badges as well as shoulder rank markings before the Iraq war.

Another example is that of Pennine Weavers Ltd. It ranks at the very highest level of independent commission weavers. Confidence has returned and managing director Gary Eastwood sees the company as being a long-term thinker and player.

One of its jobs is to weave the special fabric for the British Olympic team's uniforms.

Both of these firms have one thing in common -- they have found a balance between finding and keeping a highly skilled labour force, probably the best in the world, and embracing technological advances along with making sure traditional values and methods are kept.

They are just two examples.

There are many other firms in our midst who can tell similar success stories.

The downside is that many firms still hold onto Yorkshire values, always qualifying success -- but perhaps that's not a bad thing. The business bedrock of Keighley and district is solid, and is the perfect foundation on which to build the future of Airedale.