HUNDREDS of business people will gather in Bradford next week for a major event designed to boost contacts and build trade prospects for local firms.

The third annual Bradford Business Conference next week will take place against a backdrop of growing confidence and optimism in the district as Westfield’s Broadway shopping centre progresses and the £35 million city centre growth zone attracts more firms to invest and expand.

The one-day event on Wednesday, September 17 is at The Coral Windows Stadium, Valley Parade, and is free to attend. It will feature seminars on key issues, an exhibition featuring more than 50 firms and ‘clinics’ providing information and advice .

The conference is being organised by the Bradford-based Yorkshire Enterprise Network, in association with the Telegraph & Argus.

YEN director Sheraz Malik, said: “The Bradford Business conference provides a single forum with the opportunity to network and procure business from one another. This year’s event gives us a great opportunity to further our promotion of commerce in Bradford and what it has to offer.

“With some extremely interesting business clinics and a panel session we are looking to provide a real business education as well as the opportunity to make strong and lasting contacts.”

Bradford Council leader David Green added: “Bradford is increasingly recognised as a great place in which to do business. The district is home to a number of headquarters operated by large organisations including Morrisons and the Yorkshire Building Society. Freeman Grattan and Provident Financial .

READ MORE ON THE BRADFORD BUSINESS CONFERENCE

“The Council’s £35 million City Centre Growth Fund initiative is designed to assist the regeneration of the city centre and so far, nearly 100 businesses have signed up for business rate rebates.

Most types of business can benefit but the deadline for applying for capital grants is March 2015.

Westfield’s 570,000 sq ft Broadway retail development will be completed in 2015 and it is providing the catalyst for investment and job creation in the centre. We are already seeing other sites being acquired and developed and they will help to complement and enhance the commercial offering in the city centre.

“The future for the city centre looks bright.”

the conference will feature a presentation on building a brand from Bradford entrepreneur Asghar Ali , who heads the My Lahore restaurant business and the Smart Moves property group.

Paul Mackie, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, will chair a panel including Westfield’s Neil McLure looking at Bradford’s future prospects.