Allan Booth, of Rance Booth Smith Architects, targets housing and lobbying for a Northern Powerhouse Rail station

Allan Booth has taken over from Steve McManus, of Oxenhope-based Chartback Developments.

Mr Booth, who works for Saltaire-based Rance Booth Smith Architects, will hold the post for the next two years. His responsibilities will include taking charge of networking events, steering group meetings and co-ordinating the overall direction of the group. The forum works with Council planners and elected members to keep businesses informed of local and regional developments.

He was a founder of Rance Booth Smith in 1982 and has more than 30 years’ experience in health, education, commercial, industrial and public sector projects.

The new vice-chairman of the forum, which is run by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, is Marianne McCallum, of Turley Associates.

Mr Booth said: “I’m looking forward with mixed feelings to the two years ahead.

“I’m honoured that people feel that I’m worthy of the post. It is potentially a big job and two years sounds a long time.

“The delay to the core strategy, the need for fit-for-purpose housing, a possible Northern Powerhouse Rail station, listed buildings, these and more are all outstanding issues in Bradford.

“I do feel that Bradford has turned a corner and can look forward to better times ahead. It won’t be plain sailing, that’s for sure.

“Bradfordians generally and the business community, in particular, need to pull together in a collaborative and cohesive way to make it happen.”

Mr Booth said he hoped to forge stronger links between the forum and the local authority during his two years in charge.

He said: “Bradford Council don’t always get it right, but they don’t always get it wrong either, and I want to forge stronger links with them so that we have a chance to contribute, rather than criticise, their policies.

“I look forward to working closely with the forum’s steering group who have an immense wealth of knowledge.”

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