Smartstyle leads the way for growth zone

FOR decades, Little Germany in Bradford was a thriving commercial centre, in the days when the textile trade turned some local merchants into millionaires.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jan 2013, 06:00 BST

Today, companies with the potential to grow quickly are being encouraged to move into Little Germany, in order to boost Bradford city centre’s economic prospects.

Smartstyle, which is based in Little Germany, has become the first firm to sign up to Bradford’s City Centre Growth Zone deal.

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The company has been approved a rate rebate under a scheme funded jointly by Bradford Council and the Government through the Regional Growth Fund.

Smartstyle Technology Training helps staff to improve their knowledge of IT and also brush up their business skills.

The firm employs 12 staff, and plans to take on more. Apart from Bradford, Smartstyle also has a training centre in Liverpool.

Bradford Council leader Coun Dave Green said: “We are excited to sign up Smartstyle, as it marks the successful start of the Bradford City Centre Growth scheme.

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“They are a local company with huge potential to grow, with benefits for the city centre.”

The £35m growth zone includes business rate rebates for eligible businesses, and access to superfast broadband and free wi-fi.

The council also supplies planning and skills support for businesses accepted into the growth zone.

More information on the growth zone can be found at www.investinbradford.com.

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Related topics:BradfordGovernmentBradford CouncilLiverpool