Hi-tech firm flies the flag for district (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Hi-tech firm flies the flag for district

8:09am Tuesday 27th July 2010 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

Although the textile industry still plays a significant role in the district’s economy, its heyday has long since gone.

Yet even the poorest of history students must know about Bradford’s glorious industrial past.

Sadly, not everyone will be as familiar with the new industries which are now powering our local economy today.

That situation, however, is changing as more and more people hear about local businesses enjoying greater and greater success.

For the district boasts hi-tech firms which are market leaders not just in this country but across the world.

Of course these companies are great for the economy but they also play an important role in projecting a positive image of the city and district.

One that is definitely in the vanguard of that process is Pace.

Based in Saltaire, fittingly in a former textile mill, it continues to go from strength to strength, and is already the world’s leading supplier of set-top boxes.

Now it has just announced details of a £300m deal to buy a top US residential broadband systems provider which should further strengthen its business on the other side of the Atlantic.

As we are all, perhaps, more used to hearing about US firms snapping up UK businesses, this latest success story makes a welcome change.

It is also one of which the whole district should be proud.