From the world’s wool capital to a new era of international business, Bradford has cemented its business links with Pakistan following the arrival of a delegation of female entrepreneurs and industry leaders to the city for the first time.

The UK-Pakistan Bradford Business & Delegation Networking Forum took place on Friday 6th November at Guardian House and marked the first visit of a Pakistani women’s business delegation to Bradford as part of the initiative.

Organised by the Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC), in partnership with Women of Fortitude CIC and with the support of Inspired Neighbourhoods, the event brought together a number of key figures from both Pakistan and the UK to build on the economic links and to promote women’s entrepreneurship.

The forum was hosted by Asian Express Co-founder & Managing Editor, and Co-founder & Chair of Business Power Awards – Andleeb Hanif, who opened with a welcome to the delegates and then led the discussion on Bradford’s industrial past, its vibrant multicultural business community and the potential for more UK-Pakistan trade.

Business leaders unite for new opportunities

The event was led by Aaliya Khan, PBBC Director of Trade and Head of Women’s Entrepreneurship and Founder and Executive Director of Women of Fortitude CIC.

Aaliya brought together business people, civic leaders and members of the visiting delegation to foster practical business links between companies in Yorkshire and Pakistan.

Among the keynote speakers was Naz Shah MP (MP for Bradford West) and Bradford Council Leader Cllr Stephen Place.

Farah Butt (Chair, Manufacturing Advisory Board, West Yorkshire Combined Authority) brought a very much regional manufacturing perspective to the discussion on economic development and international opportunities.

Rebecca Fitzgerald (President of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Director of Data and AI at the Yorkshire Building Society) represented the business community of the region.

Others on the programme were Rashid Iqbal, CEO of the Pakistan Britain Business Council and Owais Hussain Farooqi, Trade and Investment Officer at the Pakistan Consulate.

Together the speakers represented a very broad range of expertise indeed, from government through to manufacturing, finance, international trade and business development.

From Little Germany to global trade

Once the wool capital of the world, Bradford became an international centre of manufacture and trade in the 19th century.

Its flourishing textile industry drew merchants from all over Europe, most notably from Germany. The German commercial influence was so great that there was in fact a ‘Little Germany’ area of the city.

The district is still a very tangible reminder of Bradford’s history as a city built on international enterprise, migration and investment.

That legacy continued through the arrival of Pakistani workers in the post-war period, many of whom worked in the textile mills and subsequently went on to set up their own businesses which were a major factor in the city’s economic shift.

Today Bradford’s long standing links with Pakistan present an opportunity for a new generation of entrepreneurs looking to access international markets and pursue commercial partnership.

Pakistani women showcase entrepreneurial ambition

The visiting delegation – led by Saima Sukhera of PBBC, comprised women working in a range of sectors from financial services through to apparel manufacturing and international trade.

The delegation also comprised Muhammad Rizwan Jaffar, founder and Chairman of the Made in Pakistan Corporate Club, representing the broader trade promotion effort.

Each delegate was asked to introduce their business, talk about what they did and identify potential areas of collaboration with British companies.

The programme then moved into a networking session where people were able to make direct contact with one another and explore potential business relationships.

For the visiting entrepreneurs Bradford provided access to an established business community, manufacturing know-how and organisations with a track record of doing international trade.

For Yorkshire businesses, the delegation presented opportunities to learn more about Pakistani manufacturing, export capabilities and emerging commercial partnerships.

Women supporting women across borders

A key theme of the event was the importance of women supporting other women in business, especially when going into international markets and into male dominated industries.

The forum also touched on the value of professional networks, mentoring and access to the people who actually make the decisions.

It also reflects Bradford’s changing identity as a city where its industrial base and its diverse communities can be a contribution to new international business relationships.

Organisers hope the introductions made during the forum will develop into sustained partnerships, opening further opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration.