The Bradford district must build on the strength of its fast-growing young workforce and culture of enterprise to become an economic driving force in the region, according to a new report.

The final draft of a new Economic Strategy for the district will be discussed when Bradford Council's Executive meets next Tuesday.

The strategy, drawn up by the private sector-led Bradford Economic Partnership and the Council, sets out a vision for Bradford as a place in which business thrives, creating opportunities, prosperity and jobs.

The Bradford district is predicted to have the fastest growing economy in Yorkshire and the Humber over the next ten years.

Priorities include a proposal for the Council to strengthen its leadership in education and provide leadership of a new strategic funding group for skills and employment to channel the existing spend from Job Centre Plus, Yorkshire Forward and the Learning and Skills Council in order to meet Bradford's specific needs.

The report says the Council should set an example by providing meaningful work experience and a managed programme of placements and apprenticeships, acting as a model for other public and private sector organisations.

The strategy will also aim to provide further support for the district's digital industry sector, through the Advanced Digital Institute, a £2 million research facility at Cottingley Business Park, Bingley.

Investment will also focus on the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector.

The report comes a day after economic forecast group Experian named Bradford as one of only a handful of cities outside the south east of England set to deliver economic growth in the next few years.

Experian said a shift in Bradford's focus towards service industries and financial services had left it in good stead, with the city being successful in moving away from traditional industries.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, the Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "As Bradford undergoes this major regeneration programme, investment increases and our population grows, it is vital that we respond in a way that secures economic growth to the benefit of everyone in the district.

"This economic strategy has been developed with private sector partners, and clearly sets out actions for both the public sector and businesses to position Bradford's economy as a driving force locally and across the region."

The strategy was drawn up after an extensive consultation process in March and April this year with Bradford Chamber, Bradford Centre Regeneration, Bradford Professional Network, Bradford Breakthrough, Council committees, Bradford Vision, Bradford Learning Partnership, Trade Union Council and voluntary and community organisations.

Should the Executive accept the report, the strategy will be launched at an Economic Summit on July 20.