THE one year anniversary of the foundation of the Give Bradford 100 Club takes place next month, and one of its first members is calling on more businesses to sign up.

Nick Garthwaite, managing director of Christeyns and president of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, is urging more businesses to join the club and benefit local charities and community groups.

What do you like most about Bradford?

“The architecture both in the city centre and its surrounds, there are some really iconic buildings.

“Take a walk around Little Germany and look at the wonderful workmanship, of course the Bradford people are also pretty special, we have so many people who are so committed to helping make positive change.”

What do you think are the key challenges the district faces?

“A key challenge is to ensure that our young people are able to have first class education and then are able to get into the world of work or higher education and achieve their aspirations.”

What issues are important to you and your business?

“We consider that ensuring that we have a well-trained and committed workforce is a real priority.

“Our aim is to be the employer of choice, in other words people will choose Christeyns over other opportunities because of our culture and ethos.”

Why did you decide to join the Bradford 100 Club?

“Having worked in the city for 34 years, but particularly in the last ten years, I have got to know more about the severe challenges the city faces.

“Joining the Bradford 100 Club allows Christeyns and I, in a small way help the city make positive progress.”

What community issues are important to you and/or your organisation?

“With my Bradford Chamber of Commerce Presidents hat on, alongside my role as MD of Christeyns, a big focus was on making the “Bradford Manufacturing Week” a real success.

“We aimed to have as many Bradford city and district manufacturing companies open up their doors to children aged 14 to 18, giving them a really positive view of making a career choice of manufacturing.

“We had nearly 1000 children signed up taking part in work experience, factory tours and in-school talks.”

Why do you think #GiveBradford Together Stronger is so important?

“It is Bradford based people doing something to help Bradford.”

For more information and to sign up to the Give Bradford 100 Club, visit givebradford.org.uk or call 01274 037300.