Local charity and MP bring key Shipley businesses together

Anna Dixon MP with local Shipley Business leaders

A Shipley-based charity on Friday teamed up with the town’s local MP to bring together independent business leaders from across the town to promote available funding grants and explain how they can support local fundraising efforts. 

Hive Bradford, a community arts charity based at the Kirkgate Community Centre in Shipley, and Anna Dixon MP worked together to organise the event, which was attended by representatives of numerous local businesses, including Oracle Opticians and Surpass. 

The session featured presentations from Hive volunteers on the mutual benefits of businesses supporting their charitable work, advice from Invest in Bradford staff on accessing local grants and support, and a Q&A with the Member of Parliament.

The funding opportunities discussed included the Shipley Towns Fund’s Shopfront Improvement Grants, Shipley Town Council and Bradford Council’s Community Wellbeing Grants, and the town council’s environmental and recreation grants. 

Jo McMullan, a fundraising volunteer at Hive Bradford, said: 

“It was brilliant to have so many fantastic local businesspeople come together at the community centre today. There is so much to be gained all around by strong collaboration between local businesses and charitable organisations like Hive. 

“It was great to be able to tell them about all the ways they can support the work we do and our fundraising efforts, particularly in ways beyond cash donations, such as gift vouchers that can be used in raffles, donations of excess materials to be used in our classes and workshops, and donations of specific tools or specialised equipment.” 

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, said: 

“I continue to champion local businesses and community organisations in Shipley. It was great to bring them together to share ideas on how we can continue to build on the regeneration of Shipley town centre and promote Shipley as a great place to live, work and shop.

“The Hive’s fantastic refurbishment facilities provide a brilliant space for creative workshops and for people to learn new skills and meet others. Today’s event demonstrates what a great community resource it is.” 

Jag Singh, Director and Optometrist at Oracle Opticians in Shipley, who attended the event, said:

“Shipley has so much potential for local businesses to succeed, and I am incredibly proud to be part of a town with such a strong sense of community and ambition. At Oracle Opticians, we have always believed that independent businesses thrive best when they are rooted in the communities they serve.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone at Hive, along with all those involved in organising today’s event. It was inspiring to meet so many fellow Shipley business owners and to engage with our local MP in such a positive and collaborative setting.

“When Shipley thrives, we all benefit, and forums like this are vital in bringing people together, sharing ideas, and building meaningful partnerships. I look forward to future events like this and am genuinely excited about the continued growth of strong relationships between local businesses such as Oracle Opticians and community organisations like Hive, working together to support Shipley’s future.”