Keighley is only the 210th most profitable town in Britain, according to the latest research by global information solutions company Experian.

Its latest survey of 285 key British towns shows Worthing at the top of the list with an average profit margin of 20.9 per cent, while Keighley has a figure of just 3.06 per cent.

Languishing in 285th place is Folkstone on -25.13 per cent.

But Keighley Business Forum chairman Tim Parr says: "I have a policy of taking surveys like this with a pinch of salt. At grass roots level many businesses are thriving, with many in the Keighley area reporting record profits.

"The common factors in success are willingness to invest in the future and having a good product. With SRB and other factors, conditions for profitability in Keighley are excellent."

Peter Brooker of Experian says: "It is vital for businesses, development organisations and local government to have a reliable figure that shows in clear terms what the real wealth coming into the area is.

"Simply focusing on the number of companies in profit fails to account for whether a profit-making company is earning £1 in profit or £1 million."

The research shows that successful locations tend to share similar characteristics - excellent communication and transport links, a solid manufacturing base supplemented by rapid expansion into high-tech business services, and the support of skilled workers who enjoy a high quality of life.

The league tables have been compiled by analysing the total level of profits and losses against total sales of nearly 200,000 companies in the 285 towns and cities.

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