The year is ending on a high note for a Bradford-based business centre operator which has had to extend one of its premises to meet growing demand. Malik House Business Centres has created another four large units at its Oakwood Court centre on City Road, which houses 18 businesses and has only one small office suite available.
Baker Reign Solicitors is a new law firm set up by managing director Amar M. Bhatti, bringing five professional posts to Bradford and plans for further expansion. He pulled together a team of experienced lawyers from across Yorkshire to create the firm, which specialises in corporate, insolvency and personal injury law.
Mr Bhatti said: “The easy option might have been to open in Leeds as it is the biggest legal market outside of London. However, we have taken a fresh approach and decided to buck the trend. Bradford is my home town and I wanted to put something back into my community – which I have been able to do by bringing in staff from both the local and surrounding area. We’re looking to invest heavily in our team and develop them into senior positions within the legal sector over time.”
Plumbing and heating company Thermacare Ltd, which provides emergency breakdown repairs and maintenance services to domestic properties, has also opened its first business premises at the complex, creating four new jobs for engineering and office staff.
Mohammed Faizan, managing director, who previously operated rom home, said: “Operating from a professionally-run modern office, with the support that goes with it, has enabled me to grow my business, not just by employing new staff but also in winning contracts with some national corporate clients.”
Malik House Director Sheraz Malik said: “It’s been a fantastic year for Bradford and this has been reflected in an extremely successful year for Malik House Business Centres too. With the increased confidence in our city, there is more and more interest from companies wanting to base themselves here.
“This picture is also mirrored in our Manor Row business centre in Bradford’s Independent Quarter where we have attracted overseas businesses and were delighted to be chosen to provide the constituency office for the newly-elected Bradford South MP Judith Cummins.”
Malik House has also seen its virtual office operation increase by 22 per cent with growing demand from start-ups. It also launched the MH Virtual website offering a range of services across its four sites, including Crown House business centre in the former Leeds Forge in Leeds.