Universities are major parts of any city which is lucky enough to have one, and Bradford’s seat of learning is no exception.

The University of Bradford, with its city centre location, makes a significant contribution to both the social and economic landscape of Bradford, and provides top-of-the-range learning experiences for local students as well as those coming in from other parts of Britain and other countries.

A new report says that universities in Yorkshire and Humberside together generate some £5 billion in measurable economic impact, through the money students spend in the local area and the jobs they create.

The University of Bradford is particularly focused on bringing in international students, a move which contributes a great deal to the economy. But it is also heavily invested in providing opportunities for young people from this area, and many students choose to stay at home in Bradford rather than venturing to other universities across the country.

Together with the close links the university forges with local businesses and industry, this creates an added positive contribution specific to Bradford. If our local university can provide local people with the skills in demand by local companies, then this is a huge step in the right direction for Bradford’s economic resurgence.

Whether we are involved in education – either as a student or as a member of staff – or not, we should all celebrate the fact that we have such a successful and well-thought-of establishment right in the heart of Bradford.

Whether the students are home-grown or come in from foreign shores, they are all Bradfordians for their tenure in the city and add a welcome fresh dimension to city life.