A DISCUSSION on how business in Bradford can “flourish” following Brexit is being held at Bradford Cathedral next week.

‘Flourishing City’ is being hosted by the Dean of Bradford, Rev Jerry Lepine, and will feature talks from leading figures in Bradford business.

Rev Lepine has said he hopes the discussion will help Bradford to find its identity going forward so that it can develop and thrive in the future.

At the discussion, Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford Council, will give an opening speech, before the floor is thrown open for public debate.

Other public figures who will be attending the event include Shipley’s Conservative MP Philip Davies, Labour MP for Bradford East Imran Hussain, commercial director of Welcome to Yorkshire Peter Dodd, Professor Gwendolen Bradshaw from the University of Bradford, the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid, and Ian Ward, general manager of the Broadway shopping centre.

Rev Lepine said he decided to hold the debate because in his three years in Bradford, he has seen “a lot of energy and commitment to the city.”

He said: “I have lived in Nottingham and London and I have not seen the emotional commitment to a city like in Bradford.

“It shares a lot of the same post-industrial challenges as a lot of cities around the world.

“Since that industry declined, there has been a struggle to see what the future looks like, and this event is providing a forum for reflecting on what kind of city we want Bradford to be in the future, and my aim is to try and bring people into the city.

“It is clearly an item on the agenda for a lot of people so I have decided to bring these people together to float some ideas.

“The word flourishing is the key, if a city is flourishing it is working for the wellbeing of everybody.

“The people have to decide what city they want, but there are the essential things like health, wellbeing, education, jobs and a thriving economy.

“Is Bradford a happy city that people will be drawn to, is it clean, is it safe, you can make a list of these questions.

“One of the things about cathedrals is that while we don’t have a vast amount of money, we are well connected right across the city, so we have said to people, this is what we are providing so would you like to come along and take part.

“I have been absolutely thrilled with the feedback I have received so far.”

The debate is being held from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wedneday, April 5, and entry is free and open to all.