THE FOUNDER of a new body representing the town’s manufacturing companies has promised a “Keighley revolution”.

Paul Moore spoke after Keighley-Made was launched this month with an inspirational event attended by bosses from dozens of successful local businesses.

In an email after the event to the companies, Mr Moore, managing director of Powerrun Pipe-Mech Ltd, expressed his heartfelt thanks.

He said: “It was truly overwhelming that you chose to turn out in such numbers and it proves Keighley is alive and kicking.”

Mr Moore said the next step would be to form a Keighley-Made board to devise a “sensible and constructive” forward strategy.

He added: “We have and opportunity that we cannot overlook, and together I have no doubt that we will make a difference for our town.”

Leaders of several local companies and organisations replied to express their excitement at ‘flying the flag’ for Keighley and showcasing the success of local companies.

Mr Moore formed Keighley-Made to give a voice to Keighley’s still-strong manufacturing sector, which employs more than 4,000 people and is involved in multi-billion pound projects across the world.

He wants to harness that strength to benefit Keighley as a whole, improving the town’s reputation and encouraging politicians to plough much-needed external investment into the town centre.

Mr Moore added: “We need to be some pride and passion back to the town, and through the successful business and manufacturing base I’m confident we can make a difference.

“We want our employees spending their hard-earned money in Keighley and not in Saltaire, Haworth, Skipton, Shipley, Bradford and Leeds.”

Mr Moore said he wanted the business community in Keighley talking to each other, collaborating and cooperating.

He said: “I want businesses to share their success stories and educate others as to the fantastic products and services we are collectively supplying to the UK and worldwide markets.

“I want them to share best practices and help solve problems, and give help and advice to each other.”

A key part of Keighley-Made’s work will be bringing together businesses, schools and colleges to help students improve their job-seeking skills.

Email paul@powerrun.co.uk about Keighley-Made.