DELEGATES attending the first anniversary celebration of an expanding Bradford-based business network heard about the work of a local college which is helping hard-to-reach young people into successful careers.

Sheila Philpott, chief executive of Forster Community College, Bradford, which runs Forster's Bistro in City Park where the event was held, explained the role of the college as a ‘profit for purpose’ company.

She said it had helped many hard-to-reach young people during some difficult economic times and now that the city was on the up, it was important for the business community to pull together to build on recovery.

More than 150 delegates attended the celebratory event of the Bradford Means Business partnership between Yorkshire Enterprise Network and the Telegraph & Argus.

Sheraz Malik, YEN director, said “We are now looking forward to building on the relationship and helping to bring businesses together to further advance the regeneration of our proud city."

Attendees included Bradford-born businessman Keith Madeley, better known as 'Mr Yorkshire' for leading the Yorkshire Society.

He said “Things have been good for business in Bradford recently and YEN and the T&A have formed a great partnership which supports this. The venue was absolutely excellent - Sheila Philpott and her team need to be congratulated on the quality of their food and service as well as the good work they do. ”

Other speakers included Kevin Russell, chairman of Mindworks, a voluntary organisation which aims to promote better mental health awareness amongst local employers, and Rachel Gough of Inspired Marketing, Hipperholme, who spoke about using social media to boost business.

The next Bradford Means Business event will be at Kala Sangham Arts Centre Forster Square, on Thursday, March 26.