Cardinal, Exa Networks and Qube Learning are finalists in the Social Mobility category at the Bradford Means Business Awards 2021

Cardinal

The leading specialist interior fit-out business is headquartered in Bradford, but works across the UK and international markets.

Working in a diverse range of sectors including retail, education and workplaces, as well as residential, healthcare and leisure, recent projects include transforming Northgate House in Halifax into a new teaching space for Trinity Sixth Form Academy, and new self-scan express tills at Marks & Spencer, using virtual reality technology.

The firm gets involved in school events, teaching children about design work or using virtual reality techniques in the construction industry.

Exa Networks

The firm delivers bespoke internet services, working with thousands of schools and business across the UK to bring complete customisability. As a leading independent ISP for education, they offer a full range of connectivity options for schools.

They are one of the only ISPs who work with businesses to accommodate their different requirements, providing bespoke service packages.

Exa runs a foundation which aims to inspire people to getting into computing, robotics and programming - with the hope that they can find the skilled workforce they need locally.

Qube Learning

The national recruitment and training provider has a base in Bradford, and delivers a range of training to individuals and teams via apprenticeships, traineeships, short courses, e-learning, as well as providing recruitment solutions for jobseekers and employers alike. Many of these project are funded through direct contracts held with the Government’s Education & Skills Funding Agency and apprenticeship levy-paying employers in England.

They say: “The young kids that we come across, they are fantastic in that when they do get into the right role, you see the change in them from that first time you meet them.”