Bradford attracts significant new investor

As part of the ongoing transformation of its operating model PwC, one of the world�s leading professional services organisations, has taken the decision to open a new Assurance Centre in Bradford.

The centre will help PwC continue to provide quality and exceptional client service in changing times, standardising work in key areas of their engagements to be able to use technology effectively through automation.

PwC has taken over 9000 sq ft of office space at 5 Godwin Street, Bradford and has already recruited sixty members of staff from the local area who will be based in Bradford with the potential to increase this number to 225 creating further job opportunities in the city over the next few years. PwC plans to move the new members of staff into the new office in March 2019.

Whether someone is ready for a career change; at the start of their working life or just after a new challenge, the new Assurance Centre will help develop skills and boost employability irrespective of background.

The opening has been facilitated by officers from Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority working with PwC over several months.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said;

�Its great news that such a prestigious brand is coming to Bradford for the first time. It�s also great news for the Leeds City Region that PwC is expanding its presence in our part of the world, creating skilled jobs and opportunities for local people.

�PwC want to attract the talents of the future and it�s brilliant that they acknowledge that Bradford, as the UK�s youngest city, is the place to do that. We look forward to working with them over the coming months and years.�

Will Richardson, PwC�s Leeds Office Senior Partner commented;

""Our new PwC Assurance Centre is one of our key priorities in delivering a best in class proposition as one of the world�s leading professional services firms. Not only will it offer our people the opportunity to work more flexibly and help reduce the travel required, they will also gain great experience working with a breadth of nationally based clients from SMEs to large corporations.�

�Bradford is one of the largest cities in the UK, and the youngest city, offering a large and talented workforce that has so much to offer not just Northern Powerhouse growth but the UK�s economic growth too. Helping to support inclusive growth by investing in Bradford drives right to the heart of our PwC Purpose and Social Mobility agenda.�

Kersten England, Chief Executive of Bradford Council and Lead Chief Executive for inward investment for Leeds City Region, said;

�PwC�s decision to build a presence in Bradford is a further vote of confidence in the dynamism of the sector and talent pool in the city.

�With a strong education sector, great transport links to London and the rest of the North, and a growing international reputation for financial and professional services innovation, it�s no wonder that Leeds City Region is the most significant regional financial and professional services centre in the country. We look forward to working with PwC to make sure this new office is a success both for the firm and for the city.�

David Baldwin, chair of the Bradford Economic Partnership, added:

�PwC coming to Bradford is further evidence that what we are doing through our economic strategy for the Bradford District is paying dividends.

�We plan to make Bradford district one of the most dynamic places to do business in the UK. Clearly companies such as PwC are recognising our efforts to grow our economy by increasing the number of productive businesses in the district, leading innovation and investment and building on our strategic assets � our people, our businesses and our places.�