Dozens of West Yorkshire businesses have given their backing to a new Bradford-based Knowledge Network for smaller firms.

The SME Knowledge Network has been set up to share latest best-practice management skills with businesses with less than 250 employees.

Organised by Bradford University School of Management, the group was formally launched by Network manager David Williamson and colleagues Stuart Sanderson and Professor Mohamed Zairi.

The first forum saw a lively discussion on successful leadership techniques led by Professor Zairi.

Nicola Custance, who helped organise the event, said: "The feedback received from the delegates which attended has been positive and inspiring. The idea of making world-class knowledge accessible to SMEs is an attractive one."

Further free, early-evening events will take place throughout the winter and spring, with topics ranging from customer focus to change management.

One of the firms to come away with a very positive impression was Baildon flooring sample products producer Multi-Shades.

Judith McLaughlan, a director with the family-owned business, said: "I think the idea of having a local network forum for SMEs is a really good one, and will become very useful as it grows into a two-way scheme where we get to say what we'd like.

"Just to meet up with similar sized companies and exchange ideas was refreshing, and I have come away with at least two or three new ideas for our business."

Other firms who attended included Stylos Marketing of Bradford and Smiths Smalley Architects of Harrogate.

Mr Williamson said the turnout had proved there was a real appetite among local SMEs for gaining the knowledge to secure a competitive advantage and sustain growth.

He said: "We hope to build upon this success in future forums. Our challenge was to attract SMEs to the University and to share in the business expertise we have here for the good of the district as a whole, and we have taken a major step forward in establishing this contact.''

Margaret Coleman, executive director of the Learning & Skills Council West Yorkshire, gave her backing to the initiative by helping to cut the inaugural cake.

To reserve a place at a forum call (01274) 234314 or visit the web site on www.brad.ac.uk/smenetwork.