Keighley Business Forum has been chosen by the government to head one of 11 new Centres of Excellence being set up in Yorkshire and Humberside to improve training in high technology and information technology.

The forum will receive £265,000 in funding, and will lead the creation of the Yorkshire Environmental Management Virtual Centre of Excellence. The initiative will offer environmental training for businesses, schools, community groups and individuals in the field of waste minimisation, environmental programmes and European environmental law. The centre will be up and running by March next year.

Jeremy Walker, regional director of the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, says: "Raising attainment and skill levels is essential to our economic success in the key area of information technology and across a range of sectors of great importance to our region. These range from traditional industries like textiles to newer sectors such as electronics and environmental science.

"The centres of excellence will provide relevant, innovative and flexible training in key skill areas, tailored to suit the particular needs of the areas and communities they will serve."

KBF director Iain Copping says: "This is a major honour for the forum and is seen as further recognition of our innovative environmental work and achievements.

"We can work towards setting up the centre of excellence, safe in the knowledge that our already established impact on the local economy will now be widened considerably to contribute to the economic success and future well-being of the entire county. This award widens our remit significantly.

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