New and small businesses set to get a helping hand

The GRID@Bradford South, based at Low Moor Business Park, was set up in February 2010 and acts as a one stop shop for aspiring and existing small businesses.

It is run by Incommunities housing group and is supported by Bradford Council’s enterprise service, Kickstart. Last December it expanded to provide a base for seven new enterprises. This latest expansion will provide homes for more than 20 new and growing businesses.

New businesses operating from the GRID at Low Moor include social media enterprises, a catering business, a vacuum repair company and business solutions specialists.

The centre also has a thriving coffee shop run by 20-year-old entrepreneur Kirstie Pollard from Wyke. On Tuesday, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy, Coun David Green will officially open extra ground floor space including ten more offices at the centre. He will be joined by Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive.

Ms Howley said: “The GRID at Low Moor keeps growing and is a key part of our open field service to encourage local people to realise their business ambitions and develop new enterprises.

“The centre’s enterprise coach and manager Shelley Tasker works closely with Bradford Kickstart to attract and encourage a wide range of enterprises.

“As well as providing practical facilities such as space and support services they are able to offer expert advice and support, and valuable networking opportunities. The centre has also developed a fantastic community feel where everyone wants to help one another.”

Coun David Green said: “It is terrific to be able to help more people turn their enterprise ideas into fully operating businesses. Finding a dedicated space from which to run a business is an important step for entrepreneurs and it is great that we have been able to work with Incommunities to make the GRID at Low Moor even bigger and better. The GRID provides access to expert workshops and allows for good networking opportunities that often lead to trading between businesses based there.”