When it comes to best business practice Keighley is becoming very fashionable, according to MP Ann Cryer. Ann was in bullish mood about the local economy and the town's future in general when she spoke at Keighley Business Forum's lunch meeting on Friday.

Since winning the Keighley and Ilkley seat at the last general election she has dealt with over 3,500 cases for constituents - many on behalf of local businesses seeking representation and assistance in the corridors of power.

She singled out three companies in particular - all KBF members - as being shining examples of best business practice - O&K Escalators, foundry operator Triplex, and Haworth spring manufacturer Airedale Springs.

Ann recalled an inspection visit to O&K earlier this year when she viewed work on the company's record breaking £52 million contract to provide 118 escalators, two autowalks and 34 lifts for London Underground's Jubilee Line Extension. The new line runs directly under her office at the House of Commons and provides the principal passenger transit system to the Millennium Dome.

"If all the other contractors had behaved like O&K there would have been no doubt about the Jubilee Line opening in time for the launch of the Dome," she says. "O&K are superbly organised and completed their part of the installation contract on schedule, and that made me very proud.

"If British firms are to compete effectively they have to make sure they complete contracts on time."

The MP praised award-winning Triplex foundry and Airedale Springs as being shining examples of engineering expertise and a credit to the area. "These are just some of the many local firms I get involved with who are doing well and keeping people employed through their good practices," she says.

Ann also paid tribute to KBF for providing continued support to local companies in the role of honest broker between all business sectors.

"The forum does a very good job in putting companies in touch with each other," she says. "I have worked very closely with director Elaine Pearson, and there is no doubt that the local economy is benefiting. Keighley is becoming fashionable. It has a strong sense of identity, and offers a very good environment in which industry can operate. The size of the town and its companies is also tailor-made for effective networking," she adds.

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