ABL secures funding for business centre

ACTION for Business, the owner of Carlisle Business Centre in Bradford, has secured funding to develop modern conference and meeting facilities.

The investment from Community Builders provides ABL with banking equivalent to £470,000, comprising a loan of £282,000 and a grant of £188,000.

It will enable Action for Business to create a flexible conference, training, meeting and community activity facility and improve the supporting facilities of the kitchen, café, toilets and cloakrooms.

“This development will help secure financial sustainability for ABL and it will enable us to extend the range of social opportunities offered to local people such as mehndi parties and small Asian weddings at affordable prices,” said chief executive Jenny Pupius.

ABL was created by the local community almost 20 years ago, when it developed the then derelict Carlisle Mills in Manningham to create Carlisle Business Centre.

The centre offers office space and facilities for conferences, events and parties.

All ABL’s profits are ploughed back into Manningham.