There can be few people who disagree that the ongoing regeneration of Bradford city centre, in retail terms, can only be a positive thing for the future of the city and the wider district.

With the Westfield development at Broadway due to open this year, the increased activity around North Parade and work continuing on the ambitious Sunbridge Road tunnels project, added to existing assets such as the markets and the Kirkgate centre, things are definitely on the up for shoppers in Bradford.

The opening of new shops not only means a greater choice for consumers and more footfall through the city centre, it also opens up many job opportunities for local people.

It is vital that when the stores do open they employ people of a high calibre who can properly represent Bradford both to local people and to visitors to the city that the new development, especially Broadway, will bring in.

To that end, plans are afoot for a "retail academy" to properly train people who are hoping to get jobs in everything from shop floor positions to management roles.

This is a forward-thinking approach, another success from the Get Bradford Working programme, which should ensure that local people are best placed to take advantage of the new jobs that are going to be on offer.

It also ensures that Bradford puts forward a professional, friendly and appealing face to those who will be using the shops and facilities as customers.

The customer, as we are often told, is always right - and this scheme will ensure that the staff who serve them in Bradford's new shopping centre will be just right as well.