A RAFT of influential figures gathered at the University of Bradford as the second Bradford District TOP 100 business report was issued.
The project is in partnership with the University of Bradford, Bradford Council and LOCALiQ – publishers of the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Means Business.
It is a unique report that pulls together specific data for Bradford-based businesses to build up a story of those who are top of their game.
The data – which is based on 2022 as some businesses will not submit accounts for 2023 until late 2024 – has been interrogated by the University’s School of Management and ranked across several parameters to arrive at the list.
Around 140 people shared a conversation before entering the auditorium for a presentation led by Professor David Spicer.
Sponsors of the event Azets and Schofield Sweeney were then introduced.
Victoria Wainwright, Azets office managing partner in Bradford, handed out the first gong of the presentation ‘One To Watch’ to Seabrook Crisps.
Daniel Woodwards, group managing director, said: “We are the one to watch. Hopefully we will be back next year and feature in the top 100.”
Managing Partner of Schofield Sweeney Graham Sweeney gave PFG Corporate Services the Highest Growth award.
Sales director at LOCALiQ, Steve Lowe concluded the gathering by saying: “We need to shout about what we do.
“You are the people that are going to make Bradford shout in 2025 (the UK City of Culture year).”
Mrs Wainwright agrees with this sentiment and wants to continue seeing businesses push each other.
Asked about how she found the event: “It is great to see so much support and encouragement for the Bradford business sector. We have supported the Bradford business community for over 100 years and are very proud to be the sponsors.
“We all have that common goal of making Bradford a positive place. To see each business thrive I think everyone is proud of each other. We need to keep on encouraging businesses to shout about their successes. Congratulations to all businesses that have featured on the list, they should be really proud of it.”
Mr Sweeney was also excited about what is to come next year.
He added: “It is a great springboard for Bradford but it is not the end game, it is the starting point. It gives the opportunity for businesses to show Bradford in a positive light.”
The full TOP 100 list will be on the Telegraph & Argus’ website tomorrow along with a 48-page feature in Thursday’s print edition.
