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West & North Yorkshire Business
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BRADFORD NEWS
Heart on our sleeves Four years ago I was preparing to begin my role as vice president of Bradford Chamber. Now, at the end of my two-year term as president, I’m preparing to handover to my successor Victoria Wainwright. In those 208 weeks, we’ve seen one pandemic, one Brexit, one devolved West Yorkshire, one new Mayor, three Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (we’re launching the fourth), one bid to be City of Culture (in the making) and thousands of stories of resilience and selflessness in our district. It’s been a challenging time navigating my business through the Covid-19 months while maintaining my role representing Bradford Chamber’s members and I’m thankful for the support of the Chamber team, Leadership Group, my family and of course, Victoria Wainwright, Bradford Chamber Vice President. As businesses ‘in recovery’, we may not be quite there yet. But where we are, should be acknowledged. As a Chamber we’ve adapted, responded, questioned, researched and delivered to support members – members who themselves are adjusting to meet customers’ needs. As a district, we’ve proven again, that, with the fifth largest economy in Northern England, we also have the country’s largest heart – one we wear on our sleeves, with absolute authenticity. Today, I have one remaining ask – that the covid spirit of support continues in Bradford long after the virus has gone. As our City of Culture team says, ‘This is Our Time’ and while my time as president ends and a new chapter begins, the Chamber’s support continues. As custodians of our city, our district, our country and our planet, recognising that ‘this is our time’ reminds us to make the best of the resources and the opportunities which can make a difference. There’s really no better place to start than Bradford Chamber. It’s been a privilege, an honour and a pleasure. Suzanne Watson President Bradford Chamber
Incommunities’ employability team wins Queen’s Award Yorkshire-based housing association Incommunities has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its work with local residents providing skills development, training and career opportunities. The employability team – who provide free support to jobseekers in the Bradford District – have been recognised in the promoting opportunity through social mobility category. The category recognises organisations that have supported people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their job skills and their chances of finding work. Incommunities is one of 205 organisations nationally to be recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and one of only 18 winners in the Promoting Opportunity category. The employability team provide advice on finding job vacancies, writing effective CVs, completing job applications, interview skills and in-work support. The team also help identify appropriate skills and qualifications for users, offer free online maths and English courses, and work alongside a partnership network of community centres and with local employers to find the right recruits. The service has adapted to lockdown restrictions, with virtual open days connecting advisors with job seekers and support provided by email, telephone and virtual meetings. Julie Stanworth, Employability Manager, Incommunities, said: “The team creates opportunities for social mobility by helping provide people with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to gain sustainable employment or upskill to a new role. I am proud the team’s efforts in supporting local residents have been recognised by this prestigious award.” Bradford Employment Hub, co-delivered by the employability team, is part funded by the European Social Fund and is supported by Bradford Council and Leeds City Region partners.
