Bradford Council is a sponsor at flagship sustainable investment event

Bradford Council is playing a key role in regional flagship event which aims to bring together businesses, investors and public sector organisations to plan for a sustainable future for employment, planning and industry.

The inaugural UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) is set to be held in Leeds on 17-19 May 2022.

Bradford Council will be running the event’s Net Zero Pavilion in partnership with the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development (UKBCSD).

Bradford Council is working towards a clean growth future for its district which will run through its plans for economic recovery and sustainable development.

This event will put Bradford District on a national platform at an event which will be a critical opportunity to reflect and accelerate partnership working for sustainability.

The Bradford Metropolitan District is home to over 500,000 people and 18,000 businesses. It is one of the largest districts in England. The sustainability agenda is a guiding light in shaping a clean growth approach to recovery, regeneration and resilience.

The Clean Air Plan and programme is unlocking over £50m to secure massive health benefits, new technologies and low-carbon vehicles. It recently won the 2021 LGC Climate Response Award. As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, development frameworks will be drawn up for each of the District’s five Constituencies to unlock sustainable development, job creation, business productivity and better neighbourhoods.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of the Council, explained: “Bradford Council is committed to securing a sustainable and inclusive District that works for everyone. We know that working with business, investors and communities brings funding, high quality schemes and long-term value.

“We have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability for our citizens, children and future generations, and to contribute to a better world for all. We know that Bradford District has fantastic people, businesses and a natural environment second to none. We also know it has huge potential as the UK’s leading clean growth city district. We see massive opportunities to invest and deliver a better future for one of the youngest district’s in the UK.

“Working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and our fellow local authorities we are progressing the Devolution Deal, working with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to secure the regeneration, infrastructure and environmental investment to unlock clean growth in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse. Critically this includes continuing to make the case for Northern Powerhouse Rail, a new trans-Pennine route with a through-station in Bradford to accelerate the delivery of economic, social and environmental outcomes for the benefit of all.”

Kersten England, Chief Executive said: “Achieving sustainability, economic and social development, at the same time as addressing climate and environmental challenges, is central to the Council, our partners, businesses and citizens. We welcome partners and, investors to make the most of UKREiiF and Bradford District’s commercially driven investment offer. We welcome UKREiiF’s focus on sustainability, including its adherence to the ISO20121 Sustainable Events standard and its location in the UK.”

UKREiiF founder Keith Griffiths, added: “Bradford Council is one of the biggest names in local government and is a critical ally, as we look to the future of northern cities, towns and communities. We know places need to be more resilient, recover well from the pandemic and prosper over the long-term. Having Bradford Council become one of UKREiiF’s major sponsors is an incredible step forward, and a real vote of confidence for what my team at Built Environment Networking has been working so hard to achieve with UKREiiF.

“UKREiiF is a 24/7, 365 days a year project that provides a new way for the real estate, investment and infrastructure sectors to work together – driving deals and supporting growth as we emerge from COVID. I am delighted Bradford Council has signed up, and look forward to announcing more news in the weeks ahead.”