A new start-up company is hoping to make an impact in the mobile phone business while helping find work for young unemployed people in Bradford.

Impact Mobile Technology, (IMT) which advises firms on how they can cut their mobile phone costs, has set-up in a refurbished apartment block off Manchester Road.

And it is providing jobs and training for young people who have been out of work for at least six months.

Director Aaron Clark founded the firm with his former work colleague Nick Hill three months ago.

"I just wanted to put something back into the community rather than take all the time," he said. "I was sick of working for a sales-based company that was obsessed with profits."

The pair approached Impact Community Developments suggesting the creation of a mobile phone firm which also provided jobs and training for the long-term unemployed.

The business, which employs eight staff, offers face-to-face advice to companies about mobile phone usage and which tariff might best suit them, as well as supplying the product.

Among its first clients to sign-up was the London-based YMCA.

A 12-month personal development programme is worked out for the youngsters who join the company, giving them training in customer service, information technology, administration, and telesales.

They work alongside two dedicated trainers, using a mentoring system, and will complete their programme in March. Another five trainees are due to come on board shortly, working in sales and administration.

If the programme is completed successfully - and they are taken to NVQ Level Two stage - the youngsters are offered a full-time position or guaranteed interviews with other major national telesales and customer service operations.

Mr Clark, 25, said the firm had enjoyed a positive start and businesses were keen to use the service.

"We are in the business just to stay in business and continue to create jobs rather than make a massive profit," he explained. "We have had quite a positive response because we are charity-based.

"We're delighted to have two youngsters on board. They're already proving themselves in their roles and adding a lot to what we offer."

Steve Hartley, chief executive of the Trident regeneration project which includes the Manchester Road area, applauded the new firm's initiative.

"This is unique, providing a social enterprise approach for housing, training, and jobs," he said. "It's exactly the sort of approach that works, and we're delighted IMT has been established in the Trident regeneration area. IMT is helping the Trident residents who suffer most disadvantage in the labour market."

IMT's sister company Impact Community Developments was formed to help young adults in difficult circumstances with housing and training leading to jobs.

It provides a range of support to its tenants, from helping them to eat healthily, to providing activities to help them move away from drugs and other damaging lifestyles.