The strength of the local financial services sector and the relatively low costs of doing business in Bradford provide a strong case for Northern Rock to relocate its headquarters to the district, according to Bradford Council’s Executive Member for the Economy
Cllr Adrian Naylor also said he believed it was vital that Bradford & Bingley was allowed to remain at its current Crossflatts base.
Speaking at this afternoon’s full meeting of the Council in Bradford City Hall, he commented:
“The Financial Services sector in Leeds City Region employs 240,000 and has much to lose. Remember also it is not just the direct jobs lost but also the effect these job losses have on other sectors as spending power decreases.
“This means that, for Bradford district, it is imperative that the Bradford & Bingley is allowed to continue in its current location.
“The incentives are obvious in that it is part of the financial services hub in this region which has significant critical mass in terms of both a highly skilled work force and support industries, unlike say the North East.
“In addition the relatively low cost base for operating in the Bradford district provides an opportunity to attract further players in this sector once the recover starts or even to relocate the Northern Rock.”
