A revolutionary new organisation is set to lead Keighley's industry, business and community interests forward in the 21st century.

Keighley Business Partnership is being launched to co-ordinate marketing of the area's manufacturing, retail and tourism resources, bring companies closer together, eliminate conflict between the major training providers and to prepare joint bids for funding.

The brainchild of Keighley College principal Douglas Hardaker, the new organisation comprises the college, Keighley and District Training Association Ltd (KADTAL), Keighley Asian Business Forum (KABF) and Keighley Local Enterprise Agency (KLEA).

Its board of directors consists of the chairmen and chief executives of the four partner organisations, and its first full-time post as co-ordinator is now being advertised.

The new company will have an interim base on the second floor at New Devonshire House, but it aims to create a Business Service Centre in Keighley, owned jointly by the partners.

Mr Hardaker said: "It's an exciting prospect and a triumph for positive thinking.

"The idea came to me about two years ago, when it became apparent that the Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) and Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) were going to be replaced by the new Learning and Skills Council this year.

"The TEC was Bradford-based and the FEFC was for colleges, while the new organisation would cover the whole of West Yorkshire.

"There has always been a feeling that Keighley was on the periphery of Bradford district, and my big fear was that Keighley would now be on the periphery of West Yorkshire. Unless we could get our act together in Keighley we could well miss out."

Mr Hardaker considered how best to make good use of Keighley's resources.

"We are usually good at forming partnerships, but not always good at making them work effectively," he said.

"The college came into regular contact with three or four key organisations in the town, and I felt if we could harness that goodwill, expertise and resources we could present an effective united front. We could send out a powerful message to others about effective partnerships.

"Companies often find it bewildering knowing who to contact for help and support, and I wanted to simplify that. It is a great opportunity for Keighley and we have received encouragement from throughout Bradford and West Yorkshire."