Bradford's African-Caribbean firms have been given a boost now that the district's Business Link has taken on business development officer Earl Levy.

He has become part of Business Link's Ethnic Minority Development Programme.

Business Link has found it difficult in the past to attract members from this business community through their doors.

The organisation worked with local voluntary group the African Caribbean Economic Establishment (ACEE).

Over the past four years ACEE gave business support to the African-Caribbean business community on behalf of Business Link - but now Earl Levy is spearheading the work as part of the Business Link team.

He started work last November and one of his early successes was a conference earlier this month at Business Link's headquarters in Mercury House on Manchester Road.

Business Link chief executive Steve Szostak said: "This is good news. Earl has made a great impact with this customer group. We have already noticed an increase in business. Over the next 12 months we plan to develop the sort of high quality delivery we are becoming known for.

"The conference covered issues such as e-commerce which is a vital component for business to use in order to enhance their business development plans.

"By using these new tools and techniques they will increase competitiveness, gain access to new markets and suppliers. This in turn means staying ahead of the game."

Part of Earl's work plan is to work closely with businesses to gather information on their needs and design relevant training programmes based on their responses.

The move also means people from the African-Caribbean community now have access to a wealth of business information and support from Business Link.

Mr Levy said: "The fact that these businesses contribute considerably to the UK economy means they should be taken very seriously. They need harnessing and nurturing as they play a key role in job creation and they also generate millions of pounds."

Future training programmes will include subjects such as information communication technology, selling and marketing, skills, time management and business planning.

"Such training will be heavily subsidised by Business Link + and in most cases are free," he added.

For further information contact Earl Levy on 01274 751385.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.