New president calls on businesses to recognise city potential
BRADFORD Chamber of Commerce’s new president has called on businesses to recognise the city’s ambitions for economic success.
In his inaugural speech following his election to office yesterday, Paul Mackie decried the ‘economic mediocrity’ prevailing in many UK towns and cities, saying Bradford’s strengths are not being adequately showcased or built upon. He also set out his themes for his two-year presidency.
He said: “Maximising our economic potential in this district has rarely been more important than it is now as the new model economy emerges.”
The head of construction company Rex Procter & Partners has succeeded Thorite’s Stephen Wright. Formal proceedings were followed by a speech from Borg Warner’s managing director, Simon Spencer.
Mackie said that Bradford was now “at a crossroads” and needed to be “bold, innovative and progressive” to realise its full potential in the future.
He said that there are number of steps with need to be taken, including, better collaboration, both between businesses and across neighbouring cities, helping more businesses access markets and ensuring Bradford is a full regional player.
Mackie also said that the Chamber is “setting the pace in changing the culture of business across the district” and that “the importance of entrepreneurs in Bradford cannot be underestimated”.
