10:37am Monday 26th January 2009
By Chris Holland
One of Bradford’s top property developers wants city leaders to follow up last week’s economic summit with quick action.
Andrew Mason, new chairman of the Bradford Property Forum, praised the council for holding the event which brought together nearly 100 business and community leaders to thrash out an action plan to fight the recession.
He was impressed with the level of commitment shown at the summit but wants to see some “quick hits” to show that Bradford means business.
Mr Mason, managing director of Shipley-based Newmason Properties, said: “The time for committees and talk is past. Now its time for do.
“The summit was excellent but it’s crucial that it is followed up with some tangible action within weeks.
“They should identify a scheme, whether its the quickest, cheapest, biggest or easiest to proceed with to show that the powers-that-be mean business.
“It would be a real fillip and would confirm the good intentions expressed at the summit.”
Mr Mason welcomed a new report from the All Party Urban Development Group and the British Property Federation which says that planning contracts for new developments should prioritise local employment and training.
It says hiring local people for construction work and developing people’s skills to equip them to work in completed developments would reduce the skills gap and build up job opportunities within communities.
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