Bradford's industrial and commercial history is packed with stories of enterprise, initiative, innovation and sheer hard graft. The city's past prosperity was built on the energy and business acumen of people who saw the opportunities available for making money and worked hard to establish themselves among the best in their field.

And that field, for most people in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, was textiles. Along with engineering, the textile industry created Bradford's wealth and provided work for the fast-growing population.

All that began to change in the last decades of the 20th century. Competition from overseas and changing fashions weakened Bradford's textile-manufacturing base. The emphasis switched instead to the newer, hi-tech industries.

However, textiles still have a significant role to play in Bradford and can still generate success stories.

We are glad to be able to tell one today - not about manufacturing, but about importing, exporting and wholesaling. The story of Maharaja Textiles Ltd, based in Cemetery Road, has a very familiar ring to it.

Two brothers set up a makeshift warehouse in a converted family garage with capital of just £50,000. They work long hours, cultivate their clients, keep a careful eye on the quality of the product and a mere eight years later they are reaping the rewards with a business now worth more than £15 million, smart new premises, an expanding workforce and a string of awards.

Maharaja Textiles is a shining example of what still can be achieved if the drive and commitment that symbolised Bradford's manufacturing past are adapted to its entrepreneurial present.