The big boost for Bradford's more deprived areas, confirmed today in the form of a £41 million EU grant over six years under Objective Two funding, is a good example of what can be achieved when politicians and the business community work together.

It looked at one time as though Bradford could have lost its Objective Two status and the potential money that goes with it. However, thanks to persuasive joint lobbying by the Council, the Chamber of Commerce and MPs, that source of cash to help needier districts was safeguarded.

With the confirmation of it today comes news that it has been extended to cover 14 wards in the city - wards which desperately need the jobs the funding is intended to create.

There is much which can be done with £41 million plus the match funding which is expected to top the total available pot of cash up to £100 million. The aim is to encourage existing businesses and local entrepreneurs and entice new ones to locate in Bradford - particularly those likely to create plenty of new jobs, such as high-tech industries. There are also useful plans to encourage people to set up their own community businesses at grass roots levels, such as offering baby-sitting services.

Whether the businesses set up as a result of this money are large or small, though, confirmation of the funding is excellent news for Bradford. More jobs means more money going into the local economy and should give a boost not only to the wards most directly affected but to the district as a whole.