Second female chamber president shows a city determined to succeed
Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s second female president has spoken about the pride of being in business in the district, and of heading the city’s leading business support and lobbying organisation.
Suzanne Watson, who runs Approach PR, addressed the chamber’s annual dinner to a packed audience at the Midland Hotel, and spoke about the progress and changes that both she and the city have made in the last two decades.
Acknowledging the uncertainty being felt by her members since the result of the EU Referendum in 2016, and, belatedly, the current General Election campaign, Watson praised the local and regional business community for its “can do” attitude and refusal to buckle in face of obstacles set before it.
She highlighted recent changes and successes, such as 10 years as UNESCO City of Film, the literature festival and the current campaign to submit a bid for UK City of Culture 2025.
The former journalist also stressed the importance of lobbying for improvements in transport, skills and breaking the devolution deadlock.
“We’re fighting to keep Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2 on track and to keep Bradford on the line that would prove transformational for our local economy and the future of not only our businesses but the opportunities for our young people,” she said.
“To deny businesses and our next generation the speed of connectivity to other cities and districts is to take the very oxygen out of our local economy and deny our youngest population in the UK the choice to fulfil their potential.
Bradford deserves better.
“We are relentless in our pursuit to release the devolution deadlock and free the funds and control that should be managed within our region. An interim Leeds City Region / West Yorkshire deal has to be kept on the table to lift the impasse that is choking progress and growth.”
Highlighting the contribution to the economy made by smaller firms, she said: “Micro businesses – like Approach – make up 88% of Bradford’s business community.
“And while micro businesses like mine aren’t considered ‘high growth’, in 18 years we’ve turned over £3.5m and provided employment for 30 local people. Not record breaking but difference making.
“Because, if local businesses succeed, we all succeed through employment, inward investment, transport improvements and confidence.”
The dinner – attended by more than 300 businesses, politicians and civic dignitaries – was also addressed by BBC presenter Dan Walker.
