A Keighley enterprise advisor has hailed the town’s entrepreneurial spirit after the number of business start-ups helped by her organisation reached 90 so far this year.

Wendy Spencer, business manager at Airedale Enterprise Services on Lawkholme Lane, said it had worked with more than 300 people looking to start a firm or become self-employed.

“It is a great achievement,” she said. “It proves that there is a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit in the community and that people are working very hard to make a living despite the economic downturn.”

AES delivers various business support programmes, two of which are Government-funded and provide backing for those wanting to go into self-employment.

Among those helped to set-up by the schemes is Lida Mancakas – who runs a sewing room based in the Aire Valley Business Centre – and Victoria Spencer, a performance improvement coach who works with individuals and teams to help them achieve goals.

Anyone considering starting a business or seeking to expand an existing one can contact AES on (01535) 607775.