Industrial past is 'key to Bradford's future' says British Science Association boss (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Saltaire-based Pace chief executive Neil Gaydon backs comments

9:19am Friday 3rd June 2011 in News By James Rush, T&A Reporter

Pace chief executive officer Neil Gaydon

If Bradford’s bid to become a City of Enterprise succeeds it will build on an industrial past to unlock a technological future.

This year the British Science Festival is to be held in Bradford, bringing together a host of big names from the sharp end of scientific research and business.

Philip Wilson, director of the British Science Association, which organises the festival, said: “The fact that Bradford is a major regeneration area was an important factor in our decision to come here because part of the association’s mission is to take the festival to those regions which will benefit most from it.

“It’s commonly known that Bradford has been in the past a major area of technological development and industry. Having been a tremendous centre for the textile industry, and also for the engineering industry that grew up in order to service the textile industry, it’s gone through, as many other areas in Britain have, a large problem.

“And it’s now on the road to regeneration as so many others are.

“One of the key things about industrial regeneration is that there should be a really vigorous, lively community that’s really looking to utilise that process.”

Mr Wilson’s comments were supported by one of the district’s top technology firms, TV set-top receiver manufacturer Pace.

Pace chief executive officer Neil Gaydon said: “Being headquartered in Saltaire carries a special resonance for us as a global technology company.

“Sir Titus Salt was a pioneer for the industrial age and we are proud to be continuing Saltaire’s reputation for innovation, but for the digital age.

“When you look at the strength of collaboration between the academic world and business across the region, it’s no wonder Bradford is fast becoming a hub for digital start-ups.

“Continuing and developing this further will be vital as we work to capitalise on our city’s strengths to spark more growth and capture the great ideas it produces.

“Bradford is known for its industrial roots but now we see its business growing through science and innovation.

“This evolution is creating new jobs, driving regeneration back into the city and encouraging development for run- down areas.”

• Read the full story in Friday's T&A