Bradford is one of the best cities in the UK to start a business, with low rents, fast wifi, and decent road infrastructure to other major cities, so it comes as no surprise that people in the district jumped at the chance to launch a new venture when restrictions eased.
Bradford district’s economy is one of the largest in England, worth £10bn annually, thanks to the young and lively population.
Figures show the South Asian community are four times more likely to be entrepreneurial than their counterparts and despite only making up a quarter of the district’s population.
Stats held by Bradford Council estimate around one in seven businesses in the district are owned by people from the South Asian community and half of new start-ups are owned by South Asian people.
Here are some of the best new businesses that opened in 2021.
- Looney Golf
The first and only mini-golf spot in Bradford, Looney Golf is found at the top of the city centre on North Parade. Opened by a mechanic, Awais Yasin, and his client, Norris Yasin, in September, people young and old are enjoying the new leisure activities the city has on offer.
The mini-golf spot features two courses to choose from, the Neon Jungle, and the Dump Yard. Each course features eight holes with a special bonus hole where you can win the chance of a free game.
If you get hungry before or after the course, there is also a snack bar and seating area where you can chill.
- Kunafa Tea cafe and restaurant
Starting as a humble Middle Eastern dessert business from home, Kunafa Tea Café and Restaurant has grown into a favourite among the people of Bradford. The restaurant found on Thornton Road is owned by refugee families, who have brought traditional Syrian food and drinks to the district.
The meals on offer range from hummus and falafel for starters to mains such as shawarma and grills, and desserts including kunafa and baklawa.
- Flashback Arcade
Taking over parts of the former Telegraph and Argus building opposite Bradford Crown Court, the Flashback Arcade is a new-generation arcade for the whole family. The arcade features retro classics as well as imported Japanese machines. Owned by Mo Patel, the arcade is an entertainment centre for the casual arcade goer to the hardcore gamer.
- Bon App’tit
Opened by two cousins on Legrams Lane, Bon App’tit is one of Bradford’s newest dessert parlours. Waseem Ahmed, 23, and Mobeen Ahmed, 25, have nearly a dozen staff members and offer a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, including sticky toffee pudding, crepes, waffles, melting chocolate domes and cookie dough.
- Durrani’s
With Rolex’s and Patek Phillipe watches on sale, Durrani’s is one of Bradford’s newest, and flashiest, jewellery stores. Renowned Bradford businessman, Shabir Hussain, fondly known as Bash of Akbars, teamed up with international jeweller Khawar Durrani to open this luxurious jewellery palace.
The businessmen turned a former pub on Leeds Road into an opulent Asian gold and diamond store oozing with decadent chandeliers, sophisticated wall hangings, and jaw-dropping display cases exhibiting the finest jewels, a woman, or man, could ask for.
- Bradford Mortgage Co
Former Barclays banker, Ronnie Dutt launched his own mortgage brokerage business in the summer. He originally enrolled on the Certificate in Mortgage Advice Programme (CeMAP) in January 2020, but due to delays because of the pandemic, his progress was halted for a while.
Now a fully qualified mortgage broker, Mr Dutt can walk you through the process of acquiring a commercial or residential property to suit your needs.
Is your favourite on the list? Comment below your favourite new shops or businesses in the district.
