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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Asian Sunday

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In what has been an exciting year for the company, with our London launch and second birthday celebration, we would like to thank all our readers and advertisers for their continued support.

The Asian Sunday offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, to Monday, January 6. If you have any urgent enquiries please contact us on 07795996665.

However, if your query is not urgent please contact info@asiansunday.co.uk for business or newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk for stories. Someone will be in contact with you regarding your enquiry as soon as they can.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you all in 2014!

Regards
The Asian Sunday Team

Galloway: 10 Respect candidates in “winnable seats”

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George Galloway - One year on 1
Respect MP George Galloway has revealed that his Party will be putting up ten candidates for next year’s local elections in Bradford.

One of the most interesting developments in the next elections was always going to be how Galloway and Respect would react after the five Bradford councillors left the party.

Galloway, MP for Bradford West, also stated that the Respect Party has targeted ten “winnable seats” in the 2014 election and they expect this to give them the “balance of power” in the city.

The local MP spoke to us regarding our current front page story, which looks at next year’s local elections.

Throughout the year, we have been telling you what councillors have been up to in your wards.

Many of you told us how you felt and what you would like to see happen. The doors will be opening again for you, the public, for the chance to chose who you want as your next councillor.

With the local elections in May 2014, our local political parties have already started their street campaigns and community work to garner those key votes.

As we rejoice over the news of Westfield about to start and renew our hopes of a better Bradford, we still can’t deny the fact that it’s been a long upward struggle for Bradford in the past few years, with our political leaders battling with each other.

With recent revelations regarding former councillor Reverend Paul Flowers, residents of Bradford are becoming increasingly critical of its local politicians.

Speaking to us about Paul Flowers affect on the next campaign, Galloway said: “I don’t think the Flowers affect will be noticeable in the next election. The only thing this will do is make people even less likely to vote. I would not be surprised if the voting is lower than last time and this will have contributed to that.”

With many upset over the Government’s cut to funding, it will also be interesting to see how well Conservative candidates face up to an already Labour dominated Council.

David Ward, Bradford West MP, said: “As a strong believer in local government, I very much hope it will be decided on local issues and they choose a person who will represent the Ward well. Being a year away from the general elections makes me feel people could be thinking about national issues when going to vote, such as the state of the economy.

“I think the Paul Flowers allegations will have an effect. Not because of what he has done as every party have had people who sometimes do what they shouldn’t. These people are human after all. I just think there maybe be backlash against the labour group, as it seems as though they attempted to it cover to protect the group. I believe when these sort of things occur, the party should be open and transparent.”

A Keighley Town councillor has sparked the most recent debate after her suggestion of reducing the number of councillors received strong support at a consultation meeting in Keighley.

Judith Brooksbank, who is the Deputy Mayor of Keighley, is one of many people who believe cutting the number of Councillors from 90 to 60 would save the Council nearly £400,000 a year.

The plan would see one Council seat removed from each of the 30 wards. However, there are concerns over the increase in workload for the two remaining councillors.

A decrease in the number of councillors may have come too soon with an election on the horizon, but this suggestion is sure to be a talking point in the future due to the cuts to Council budgets.

What are your thoughts? Which are the most important seats in 2014? Who’s position in under threat? Email your thoughts and comments to newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk or talk to us on social media @AsianSundayNews on Twitter and Facebook/AsianSundayNewspaper.

Leeds United players back young coach

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Sohail Rehman with Leeds United’s Noel Hunt

A young football coach has successful hosted a community football competition which was backed by two Leeds United players.

Sohail Rehman, 20, was featured by Asian Sunday earlier this year after receiving a congratulatory message from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, while he was still in charge of the club.

The Keighley coach, who is FA-qualified, was delighted to have Leeds United players Noel Hunt and Ross McCormack come down in support of the tournament and his ambitions.

Hunt said: “It’s great to see, someone with such drive and desire for the beautiful game, and he’s been recognised by Sir Alex and it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”

McCormack added: “Football is a game for everyone and it’s good to see someone like Sohail. He can inspire many.”

The Class on Grass tournament saw players from across West Yorkshire, all from different backgrounds, come together for a competitive and friendly day of football.

Sohail is currently the Head Coach of Class on Grass, which is an organisation that he founded.

Class on Grass aims to introduce children to sport through football by using unique fun-learning techniques to develop real football and other sports skills, in a safe and creative environment that benefits every child.

The football tournament, held on December 15, was the first big event for Sohail and Class on Grass.

Sohail, who is one of very few wheelchair-bound football coaches, is working towards fulfilling his dream of managing in the football league.

The Manchester United fan has also received support from Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague, who invited Sohail to Liverpool for the signing of his new book, which is on the career of Barcelona and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

A number of supportive tweets have also been coming in from the likes of former Manchester United Midfielder Quinton Fortune, former World Heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis, Bursaspor forward Colin Kazim-Richards and many more.
Sohail Soccer City Competition 2

BIWA 2014: Nominations are now open

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Bradford Inspirational Women Awards nominations
Suzanne Johns, the current Woman of the Year

Nominations for Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards (BIWA) 2014 are now open.

The awards, which highlight the district’s inspirational women, is now its third year and continues to go from strength to strength with a new category added each year.

This year members of the public can vote for Woman in the Public Sector, as well as previous categories such as Business Woman, Woman in Sport, Community Star and Woman of the Year.

Speaking regarding the awards, Suzanne Johns, the current Woman of the Year, said: “It is a fantastic concept and is the type of thing where you go ‘why was this not done sooner?’. There are so many women who have achieved so much, whether that is in business, being mothers or just members of the community.  I think it is a fantastic accolade and recognition of the good work that goes on in our community and further afield.”

Sponsored once again by Bradford Council, BIWA allows the public to nominate truly inspirational women, who may or may not have been recognised for their vital work and achievements in the past.

Once nominations have closed, details of these inspirational women will be passed onto the judges in February 2014, where a winner for each category will be selected.

Last year’s panel of judges consisted of actress Ghizala Avan, Leeds Bradford Airport Head of Communications Catherine Cuthbert, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council Councillor Imran Hussain and the Chair of Bradford District Care Trust Mike Smith.

The ceremony, which has sold out every year, will also highlight the stories of these inspirational women to guests, councillors, MPs and VIPs.

The star studded evening will be held on the March 29, 2014, at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford.

To find out more about the awards and how to nominate an inspirational woman, click here to visit the official website. 

PCC donates £50,000 to food banks

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Disadvantaged families have received a much needed boost over the festive period after West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner donated £50,000 to food banks.

The cash, which comes from the Police Property Act Fund, has been targeted in areas of greatest socio-economic need.

A cheque for £50,000 was given to the Salvation Army to be distributed to their food banks in Wakefield, Kirklees, Leeds, Bradford and Calderdale.

The cash from the fund contains money from the sale of property connected with crime and can only be used for one-off charitable donations.

Bradford will receive £9,424 of the total, while Kirklees will receive £6,655, Wakefield £11,093,Leeds £20,552 and Calderdale £2,276. The cash will be distributed to food banks who will then ensure those in need are helped.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “As Christmas approaches more and more families are struggling to make ends meet and the reliance on food banks has become a reality.

“This money will help those food banks in the areas of greatest need to buy more supplies as the festive season draws closer and into the New Year. My pledge to communities is to make people safer and feel safer.

“This donation will go some way to addressing the needs of families and hopefully contribute towards easing the pressure on those in our communities in these increasingly difficult times. We all have a responsibility to help those in need and yet again I believe this issue reflects the fact that the severe Government cuts are really biting leaving many people and families struggling.

“Food banks are doing a valuable job of filling that void but I am pleased that through the Police Property Act Fund we have been able to help people in need across West Yorkshire over Christmas and into the New Year.”

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Highton, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army’s Yorkshire Division, said: “We’re deeply grateful for the incredibly generous donation of £50,000 to our services issuing food provision in West Yorkshire from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s property fund. At a time when the cost of food and utilities have increased, and where wages have risen more slowly than inflation, The Salvation Army is increasingly helping people more and more with the very basics that they need to get by.”

“This donation has benefited Salvation Army Corps, or Churches, throughout the whole of West Yorkshire – from Huddersfield to Leeds and everywhere inbetween, and is going straight to the front line to help those who need our help and support.”

Shababs Column: Interest Only Loans?

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shababfinacecolumn

The press is always full of articles relating to interest only loans and how they are bad etc. However, they are only bad for those people that have not managed them properly.

First of all, I do not mind recommending interest only mortgages to people, who understand they have to wipe the debt and they have x amount of years to do it i.e. £100,000 mortgage with 25 years to repay means you pay around £4000 a year off to get to zero in 25 years; therefore if you have an interest only loan, you put away £4000 a year, then at the end of the 25 years you will hopefully have the capital to be mortgage free.

If you want an interest rate loan, please only do this if you have an investment strategy. The financial services industry carries the stigma of poor advice being given to clients who were pushed to take out interest only mortgages by unscrupulous mortgage advisers, when property was growing at circa 10% per annum. However on the flip side, these people now have a house, and its probably grown in value for some of them so they have benefited from a rise in equity. These people should now think about reverting to a repayment mortgage, unless they want to pay their mortgage off via an investment strategy such as:

  • ISA’s’;
  • Collective Investments such as unit trusts etc.
  • Other property to sell to repay loan;
  • Any other type of investment.

I would always tell clients on an interest only loan, make sure its an offset mortgage. This is when you can still pay your savings into the plan; therefore if you have a £100,000 mortgage, and £20,000 in savings, then you only pay interest on £80,000.

If you were one of those unlucky people to have been mis-sold by your adviser, then look at making a formal complaint with the Financial Conduct Authority, and if you have not managed the mortgage properly, then take action before its too late.

The reality is on the day your mortgage is due to be redeemed, if you do not have the capital to pay the mortgage off, you will be forced to sell your house, and will more than likely incur interest, and the wrath of the lender.

Whatever your situation always go and seek advice from a professional adviser to be able to see what are your options, such as:

  • Extending the term;
  • Selling other investments, if it is appropriate to do so;
  • Using the lump sum from your pension;
  • Altering the mortgage to a repayment mortgage, if you are not on track.

Please be aware this column is not providing you with financial advice; therefore in the event that you feel you require advice, either contact me through the paper or another adviser.

Khan still owns Bulls

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The board of directors for the Bradford Bulls have revealed that the club is still owned by businessman Omar Khan.

Bradford Bulls revealed these details in a statement, which updated supporters on the situation regarding the ownership of the club.

According to the statement, supporters had already been told details regarding the ownership at a fans forum last month.

The statement revealed Mark Moore and his fellow board members, Andrew Calvert and Ian Watt, do not own all of the shares in ‘OK Bulls Ltd’ and that the transfer is ongoing.

It has been rumoured that Omar Khan still owns 99% of the shares, but he has declined to comment due to legal action against Mark Moore and former general manager Ryan Whitcut.

A spokesperson for the Bulls’ board of directors said: “Since the fans forum, last month, we have continually strived to be open and transparent with our fans. As we informed everyone who attended that event, the club is still owned by Omar Khan and discussions to resolve the issue surrounding the club’s shares are ongoing.

“Mr Khan has publicly stated that he does not wish to take legal action against Bradford Bulls. The matter, as has been recently reported, is between individuals. The whole situation has been repeatedly explained, both to our sponsors, our supporters and members of the media.

“We are working tirelessly to secure a solid, long-term future for this great club and everyone involved here is totally committed to the cause. We refuse to be deterred by the constant negativity being generated by local press, through over sensationalism designed to help sell newspapers.

“Supporters will agree our time is best spent attempting to ensure we survive the 2014 campaign and build for a successful future. When we are in a position to update our supporters, with regards to the transfer of shares and the ownership of Bradford Bulls, a statement will be made.”

The Bradford Bulls’ statement ended with the club stating there is no further information to share and that they will be making no further comment at this time.

Westfield: More than 50% of floor space filled with construction to start in 2014

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Charles Steet up to Market Street
Westfield has announced it will start major construction work on the £260m Bradford Broadway development in January 2014.

The company have also stated that the development already has retailer commitments for more than 50% of its floor space, with the new announcement of Topshop, Topman and Sainsbury’s taking up occupancy in the centre.

The retailers will join Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Next, River Island, H Samuel, Ernest Jones, W H Smith, Vodaphone, Phones 4 U and more to still be announced.

The new centre is expected to open its doors in time for the Christmas period in 2015, with an estimated 1,500 construction jobs and 2,500 new retail jobs created in Bradford.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am delighted to hear of the implementation of the £260 million Broadway Project. Projects like these stand as a great example to others to show that the regional growth fund has been used to attract the necessary private sector investment to deliver significant and positive change in our cities. Westfield has delivered on its commitment to help regenerate Bradford and to build the Broadway scheme, contributing to the Government’s growth agenda in the UK.

“We welcome the commitment Westfield has shown in the UK with its previous regeneration work having invested £3.5 billion and created 25,000 new UK jobs already, and we look forward to the realisation of its plans for a further £2.5 billion to be invested in the UK which we understand will create a further 14,000 new UK jobs.”

Westfield also announced that it has completed the sale of its interest to pan European retail real estate investment manager Meyer Bergman.

Meyer Bergman acquired the scheme as the initial investment for its second value-add fund, Meyer Bergman European Retail Partners II.

The fund completed the purchase of the Bradford site with co-investment from two major Canadian pension funds, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and AIMCo,

Together they appointed Westfield to develop, design, construct and lease the project. Once the development is completed, Westfield will also act as the property manager for the centre.

Michael Gutman, Westfield Managing Director UK/Europe and New Markets said: “Westfield is delighted to announce the start of construction having remained steadfastly committed to delivering the Bradford development following cessation of work in 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis.

“Westfield has worked intensively with Bradford Council, the Government and Meyer Bergman to attract new retailers, create new jobs and ensure that this development is built for the city and the people of Bradford.”

Councillor David Green, Leader of Bradford Council said: “This is an important day and marks a very significant step forward for Bradford city centre. Since 2010 we have supported investment in the city centre, including establishing the growth zone, constructing City Park and working with Westfield to ensure this shopping centre becomes a reality.

“Major retailers have now confirmed their strong confidence in Bradford city centre and its potential to become the shopping destination for local people and the wider area. The Broadway shopping centre will create many new jobs for Bradford and support the whole city centre and existing businesses by increasing footfall in the city. We are working with Westfield to also maximise benefit to local businesses during the construction phase. We know there is still a lot to do to take forward the rest of the city centre, as we recognise in the City Plan. We will continue to work with local businesses and investors to strengthen Bradford’s economy.”