(Image: Iqra Ayub)
A Bradford woman is opening a new female-focused car showroom this weekend after attracting interest from across the UK through social media.
Iqra Ayub will officially open the showroom today from a unit on an industrial estate off Hockney Road in Girlington.
The business aims to create a more welcoming environment for women buying, selling and hiring vehicles, while remaining open to all customers.
New showroom ready to open
The venture has come a long way since plans for the business were first announced.
Ms Ayub said: "The whole unit itself is getting renovated.
"My dad did a picture room there that's getting fully designed. The floor, the walls, the lighting, the seating area.
"Even the outside of it, we're getting a fresh floor outside with concrete getting put in, so it's just a really busy time at the moment."
An opening event, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, will take place today.
Designed with women in mind
The showroom has been designed to create a comfortable and welcoming environment, featuring a pink-and-white colour scheme and a dedicated refreshments area.
Ms Ayub said: "I've gone for the theme pink. So everything's basically pink, white.
"We've got a nice little coffee station set up with drinks and a fridge and everything."
She added: "As of now, it's me, my sister and a few of my cousin sisters that are going to be helping out.
"They're going to be on site whenever someone's coming for a car for hire or a car to get sold or basically buy a car from us. So it's all family-friendly environment as well."
Ms Ayub explained: "I'm not excluding males at all, but my aim is just to make it more woman-friendly and the feedback has been amazing on social media."
Interest from across the UK
Since first sharing her plans online, Ms Ayub says she has received enquiries from women nationwide looking for help sourcing, buying and selling vehicles.
She told the T&A: "Since we last spoke, loads of females have been coming to me from all over the UK, and they want me to source cars for them.
"They've kind of come to me and been like, 'I don't know what to do about my car. I need to sell it'.
"I've helped them out. That was one of the main reasons why I did this."
Looking ahead
While the weekend launch is primarily for family and friends, Ms Ayub said she hopes to host a larger public opening later this year after receiving significant interest.
She said: "Lots of girls have requested a female-only girls' coffee morning. I'm quite nervous but excited at the same time. It was a long time coming.
My Ayub said: "Even without me having a space or a unit, it's been crazy busy every day and getting phone calls. Every one, two days I'm just selling a car. It's absolutely amazing."