It is with great pride that I take over the role of chairman of the Bradford Property Forum for the next two years. I want to share the Forum’s aims and objectives as we enter this new world of austerity and cost-cutting.

Collaboration will be the new model going forward. Twenty per cent of something is better than 100 per cent of nothing. This collaboration will help the private sector to lead us out of recession.

Hopefully, the financial constipation in the banking sector will find the bowl of prunes it desperately needs to loosen things up.

The Big Society and localism is here to stay, and we in Bradford should lead the way as we have done in the past.

The private sector is seen as the lifeboat for the economy, but for this to happen, the bureaucracy and red tape needs to change quickly.

Business people should commit time, knowledge, contacts and spending to help Bradford. A positive outlook for our city is crucial if we are to win support and investment against our nearest competitors.

Successful cities are made by people with the vision to see further than tomorrow. Have the Council and the people of Bradford got the vision to make Bradford a success?

Enterprise is the strength of our people and the image of the city is the key to outside investors. Be proud and be positive about the city, it’s the only one we’ve got!