A BRADFORD group is determined to change the perception of Bradford and champion what it has to offer.

Bradford at Night was set up to boost the city’s night-time economy and make it more enjoyable place after 5pm.

It brings together every sector, including pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and hotels, who work together to ensure Bradford’s evening experience is second to none.

In the face of often negative views of the city, the group is focused on banging the drum for businesses and the work they are doing.

Jonny Noble, Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) manager, told the Telegraph & Argus: “It’s how we change the perception of Bradford. Hull did a very good job of it with City of Culture.

“But we can’t wait until then.”

He spoke of how the sector has been hit hard by Covid, but also by the current climate where the cost of living crisis is hitting people’s pockets hard.

The group wants to shout louder about what Bradford has to offer and Elizabeth Murphy, who is evening and night-time economy co-ordinator, said people who visit for the first time leave with a positive view, with staff praised for being welcoming.

“People forget that’s not a given, these guys genuinely love what they do,” she said.

The group said the passion and dedication of city centre operators is not to be sniffed at.  

The work to improve Bradford’s night-time experience will be even more important when Bradford Live and the Darley Street Market are open for business as they will have later operating hours.

Mr Noble acknowledged there is still work to be done but added: “It’s all definitely going in the right direction.”

For Bradford at Night, one of its biggest achievements is bringing people together around the table, something they said wouldn’t have happened 18 months ago.

Representatives include those running businesses, but also police, licensing and the city’s CCTV operators, to ensure information can be shared easily and effectively.

There’s been a positive response to Best Bar None, a nationally-recognised scheme to improve standards and promote excellence in running licensed premises.

Other training has included ‘Ask for Angela’ – a safety initiative where people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching staff and asking for ‘Angela’.

It’s already being used in Bradford and one publican spoke of how they were able to help someone who approached them and take them out of an uncomfortable situation.