A new business network has made its debut at Bradford Live.

The Schofield Sweeney Bradford Professionals Network launched with its first event, with one of the first corporate gatherings held in the venue’s newly opened ballroom.

Nearly 200 professionals from across the district attended the evening, including guests from the professional services, manufacturing, retail, financial, and real estate sectors, as well as representatives from charities, education, and leisure.

The event was hosted by commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney.

Graham Sweeney, managing partner at Schofield Sweeney, said: “Schofield Sweeney was built in Bradford and we are very proud of our roots here.

“Over the years people have asked us why we have stayed in the city and the answer is simple, this is our home.

“Great things are happening in Bradford right now, with the City of Culture status, the opening of Bradford Live and Darley Street Market, and all the work that has been done to improve transport and the look and feel of the city centre itself.

“There is already a strong business community in the city and now is the time to celebrate and build it further.

“We hope the Schofield Sweeney Bradford Professionals Network will be the conduit for that growth and for more businesses and organisations to collaborate and work together to keep Bradford at the forefront of people’s minds beyond 2025.

“And what better place to celebrate the launch than in the stunning Bradford Live ballroom.”

The network aims to bring together businesses and organisations from across Bradford to promote collaboration and growth within the city’s business community.

The event also drew praise from Bradford Council.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning, and transport at Bradford Council, said: “I think it’s fantastic that Schofield Sweeney are investing in the city.

“It’s really important we have a thriving professional sector, and we’ve got some fantastic business improvement districts across Bradford that engage in our professional sectors – so an event like this is probably a missing piece of a jigsaw, it’s a really important part of growing Bradford’s economy.”

Schofield Sweeney, founded in Bradford in 1998, has remained in the city.

The firm said the network aims to promote collaboration and growth beyond 2025.

Further Schofield Sweeney Bradford Professionals Network events are planned for 2026.

Those interested in attending can contact Ann-Marie Keighley at ann-mariekeighley@schofieldsweeney.co.uk.