Confidence could be on the way back (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Confidence could be on the way back

1:51pm Thursday 14th January 2010 in Business By Chris Holland

any Bradford small business owners are more confident than at this time last year, according to the boss of a leading Bradford business centre.

“We’re seeing a mood of cautious optimism. “Businesses here are determined to see this recession through,” said Jenny Pupius, chief executive of Manningham-based social enterprise ABL, which runs the Carlisle Business Centre. But Harold Robinson, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, believes that although prospects are brighter than a year ago, the recovery would be patchy, tentative and slow.

He said: “2010 will still be a difficult year for many Bradford businesses – there’s no point in pretending otherwise. Many firms, especially small ones, are sitting on growth and investment plans – they’ll simply sit back and see what emerges post-election.

“Business support programmes run by Kickstart, the Chamber and Business Link will still need to be on top of their game.”

However, he believes that despite continuing anxiety, consistent dedication and hard work put in by managers and staff would pay off in the end.

Jenny said: “Confidence is coming back to Bradford’s business community this year. Everyone knew 2009 would be very challenging. but by April our business was recovering well. “This gave us the confidence to create more small office units, and we already have three tenants ready to move into these. “Much of the cost will be met by funding from the Kickstart enterprise support programme, which also funds the GRID business centre located within our building, providing work space and support services at very economical cost.

“We are getting a steady stream of enquiries from prospective tenants for space at Carlisle Business Centre, a clear signing of improved confidence.

“On the negative side, many small businesses are still being badly hit by some of their clients, usually larger organisations, taking two, three or even four months to pay their invoices. “In contrast, Bradford Council tries to pay local suppliers within ten working days.”

The GRID business centre in Manningham is one of two in Bradford backed by Kickstart. The other, at Bradford Trident’s Park Lane business centre near Manchester Road, has proved so successful that it is being extended.

Set up in 2007, these thriving small business hubs support new and growing businesses by providing professional facilities at affordable prices. For £25 a month, business owners can work at the centre for up to 15 hours. They benefit from a business address and mailbox facility, use of computers and fast broadband links, access to meeting rooms and free car parking and refreshments.

Amy Driver, business development leader at the Manningham centre, said: “Our clients and staff have braved the big freeze, made it into the centre and got down to business. That’s a great indication of their determination.”

Client Robena Shariff, who runs Eden Immigration, said: “Last year was a stepping stone to a fantastic 2010; this will be our year.”

And Richard Gill, of Trueman Tech, added: “The worst of the recession seems to be over. The new year has brought restored confidence and positivity.”

Bradford Kickstart continues to assist scores of new businesses across the district which are not only surviving, but are defying the recession by growing, with some recruiting new staff.

Robert Campbell, who manages the Council’s enterprise support programme said: “The deepest recession for generations has failed to weaken the ambition and resilience of the district’s innovative and determined entrepreneurs.

“Bradford has always encouraged enterprising people. The Council is doing everything it can to help both new and established businesses to survive the recession and grow.”