Following the success of the first GRID business centre in the West Bowling area of Bradford, a second centre has now opened in the heart of Manningham and Girlington, at Bradford City’s Valley Parade stadium.

Located in the Bantams Business Centre, just above the club shop, the new GRID was declared open by millionaire entrepreneur Mark Lawn, Chairman of Bradford City.

The two centres have already attracted more than 400 members and form an important part of the Bradford Kickstart programme.

The force behind the GRID concept is the Camberwell Project - an enterprise organisation working in the UK and abroad. Bradford-based Director, Dawn O’Keefe, comments: “Basing the second GRID in the Bantams Business Centre is a major coup. It will lead to significant uptake from member businesses which need flexible, affordable accommodation and business connections.”

A mix of existing companies and new starters would “generate positive energy to enable GRID members to thrive and grow their businesses.”

A key feature of the project will see owners or managers of established businesses in the areas covered by the two centres providing mentoring to new businesses. Around 25 business bosses have already agreed to offer their support voluntarily and there are plans to recruit many more.

Image: New business starters Faisal Khan (left) and Arooj Hussain pictured at the second GRID business centre. Arooj is a professional photographer, while Faisal is a martial arts and dance instructor.