Sparkling Bradford brings boost to local businesses

Businesses, eateries and tourist attractions in the Bradford district have helped boost the local economy over the summer months, thanks to the seasonal Sparkling Bradford summer campaign.

Partners VisitBradford, The Broadway Bradford, Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) and Bradford Council again launched its annual summer campaign, Sparkling Bradford, to celebrate the district’s retailers and shine a light on the attractions that make the district sparkle. The campaign’s goal has been to promote retail, tourism and hospitality businesses in Bradford, in order to encourage visitors and local people alike to get out and enjoy the best the district has to offer.

In 2019, tourism to the Bradford district was worth £790.4million to the local economy, with 14.4million day trips to the district. After a successful winter campaign, local businesses in the Bradford district were again invited to share their involvement in the programme, with more than 30 businesses getting involved with the campaign, featuring on social media, promotional videos online and the Sparkling Bradford website itself.

Asghar Ali of MyLahore in Bradford said: “Sparkling Bradford really has put Bradford back on the map this year. It’s been heart breaking to see so many local Bradford businesses suffering due to the pandemic, which is why we were so keen to be involved with the summer campaign and shout about what Bradford is all about! We love this district and hope that the campaign has helped to highlight just how fantastic Bradford is and what we have going for us here. Bradford is the curry capital of the UK and it’s something we are very proud of, so being able to celebrate and share our delicious roots here in Bradford is amazing.”

Cathy Bruce of Clip ‘n Climb in Ilkley, added: “This summer we’ve seen a great deal of interest in Clip ‘n Climb once again, with lots of families visiting us and keen to be out and about. The Sparkling Bradford campaign has really boosted the region’s events and hospitality, simply by reminding locals and the rest of Yorkshire just what a fun day out they can have in the Bradford District, so it’s been great to take part!”

Ian Ward, General Manager of The Broadway & Bradford BID Chairman adds: “Summer 2021 was a monumental period across the country as well as here in the Bradford district. After many months of Government restrictions, events and entertainment being paused, we aimed to bring Bradford back with a bang through the Sparkling Bradford campaign.

“Our city and the wider region has so much to offer both locals and visitors from retail experiences and hospitality, to events and exciting exhibitions. The Sparkling Bradford campaign really showcased this and visitors to the region have increased significantly as restrictions have eased.

“Local businesses faced unprecedented pressure throughout the pandemic and we really wanted the initiative to support those businesses that needed it most. It has been great to hear first-hand accounts of the effect Sparkling Bradford has had on local businesses and what it has meant to them. I speak for the full Sparkling Bradford team when I say that we are looking forward to doing the same with our winter campaign later in the year.”

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Over the summer it has been great to see everyone enjoying all the wonderful things our district has on offer. The Sparkling Bradford campaign continues to bring real benefits to the retail, hospitality and tourism businesses in the district, as well as offering inspiration for those looking to try something new or different. We look forward to its return later in the year.”