Bradford is bouncing back as a commercial centre of the north, according to city business bosses.

They say the city has much, if not more to offer than its nearest rival, Leeds - and the potential for growth is limitless.

Esther Mahle, branch manager of specialist recruitment consultancy Accountability, said: "Today, managers and executives can earn the same level of salary here as they would in the larger cities such as Leeds, adding to the attractiveness of Bradford as a commercial centre.

"Accountability entered the Bradford market earlier this year and we have experienced a great increase in business due to the number of large organisations moving into the area.

"Bradford has experienced much commercial growth in recent years and as a result we have seen many large financial institutions move into the area."

Paul Fox, director of agency at chartered surveyors, Weatherall Green & Smith, said: "Over recent years Bradford has suffered notably with a number of professional companies and plcs favouring Leeds as a location.

"However, there is definitely potential for much more commercial activity in Bradford where there is ample labour supply.

"There are a host of new retail and leisure schemes as well as industrial and office developments in the pipeline, some of which will involve a significant regeneration of the city centre.

"In addition, the southside of the city along the M62/M606 corridor has remained popular for industrial and distribution activity due to its close proximity to the national road network.

"Traditionally, within Bradford, when new commercial properties have been built they have been let fairly quickly.

"The city is certainly showing signs of bouncing back and this increased confidence will hopefully encourage developers to speculatively build more properties within Bradford and the surrounding area."

Simon Stell, managing partner at Bradford-based law firm Last Cawthra Feather, said: "There have been signs of regeneration in business, both retail and manufacturing, over recent years for Bradford companies.

"Local businesses are beginning to see some growth. While the overhead costs in Leeds continue to rise, Bradford offers businesses attractive options in relation to infrastructure costs without having to accept a reduction in quality."

Bradford Council's regeneration committee chairman, Councillor Dave Green, said: "There is a real buzz about Bradford right now with a host of new developments taking shape, and major local employers including Filtronic, Morrisons and Grattan showing their long term confidence through sustained investment.''

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