Four priorities set out to unlock further growth in Bradford district

The president of Bradford Chamber last night set out four priorities to unlock further growth across the city.

Nick Garthwaite told delegates at the chamber’s annual dinner that for the growth of the city, Bradford needed to ensure all young people were equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed and that its growth potential could be maximised by driving innovation and productivity.

He also said that the region needed to focus on its “globally connected” district by improving transport infrastructure and digital connectivity to strengthen global trading links and access new markets.

Garthwaite said the city had to use its distinctive offer to its advantage, adding: “Using our unique architecture, heritage and cultural assets to create compelling investment propositions and an environment for growth.”

On this subject, he told the audience that the Bradford district had been given the accolade of ‘Emerging Destination of the Year 2018’ for Europe by The Luxury Travel Guide. He added: “The judging panel praised Bradford as a ‘modern cosmopolitan city with a thousand stories to tell.’

“The judges were also particularly impressed with the way the Bradford district has integrated its local communities into its tourist offerings, embracing both its modern multicultural status and its impressive heritage all delivered with a sense of ‘welcoming hospitality which is quintessentially British.”

Bradford has a GVA of £9.5bn, with the manufacturing sector producing one-fifth of overall district output and 70% of the district’s exports. Garthwaite added: “We manufacturers continue to require a source of young talent coming into our businesses and one of the constant challenges is the difficulty finding this talent to enter the ranks, this challenge is nothing new, it’s something that all businesses have faced for decades, and was one of the reasons why we launched and held the first ever Bradford Manufacturing Week, which took place in October of this year.”

During the week, 22 secondary schools took part and 43 manufacturing companies opened up their doors. He added: “The feedback from everyone has been very enthusiastic.”

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