Bradford has been named as a national hotspot for people working from home in a new report which calls for more support for the rapidly growing number of home-based businesses in the region.

The 2009 Home Business Report, sponsored by BT, reveals that 13 Yorkshire towns and cities are among the UK’s top 100 home business hotspots.

These firms are generating an estimated annual income of £18.8 billion for the regional economy and this is set to rise as 89 per cent of UK home businesses expect to increase turnover next year.

But the report by Enterprise Nation, itself a home-based business, warns they are missing out on vital help because their success and growth is not being fully recognised.

It says the awarding of grants and support from the Government, regional development agencies and business support bodies should be more dependent on growth in earnings, rather than growth in employees.

Nearly half of firms surveyed plan to increase turnover by using freelancers and outsourcing, while 42 per cent intend to make better use of existing resources, with only four per cent considering hiring full-time employees.

The report also calls for more support outside normal office hours to help a new generation of home entrepreneurs who hold down a day job and build their businesses during evenings and at weekends, and more assistance for overseas trade.

One Bradford home-based entrepreneur is Jacqueline Thompson, who set up events company Buddy Design 12 months ago.

Thackley-based Jacqueline said working from home gave her the flexibility to develop creative ideas when it suited her and also to miss the daily rush-hour commute.

She said: “Having a home-based office is also a lower-cost option for new entrepreneurs, and technology makes working from home much easier these days.

“It’s vital, however, not to become isolated. I ensure that I network regularly and get out and about – which is easier if you’re avoiding the rush hour.

“Working from home is not a nine-to-five existence and it’s important that you can close the office door and leave work behind.”

Two free events are being held tomorrow to encourage home-working and celebrate Home Enterprise Day.

A seminar on how advanced electronic communication helps people work from home more efficiently will be held at the Carlisle Business Centre, Manningham. Places can be booked by calling (01274) 481272, or e-mail events@digitalife.co.uk.

Craven College is also holding an event at Herriots Hotel in Skipton. Contact Rachel Breckon on (01756) 693670, or e-mail rbreckon@ craven-college.ac.uk.