Bradford is leading the way with help for firms at the cutting edge of research and development.

Many of Bradford's large and small hi-tech firms are being helped by a team from the Bradford-based West Yorkshire Euro Info Centre which is part of Bradford Council.

The team runs the Info Centre's Technical Information Service which helps companies involved in research and development.

The team has organised a series of West Yorkshire-wide roadshows on patenting a product which starts next week.

The roadshow will give one-to-one advice, covering design, trademark and copyright, from Appleyard Lees Patent agents. Leeds Patent Information Unit will give a demonstration of a computer search and there will be business and innovation advice from local Business Links. Members of the West Yorkshire Euro Info Centre will be on hand to discuss business opportunities in Europe.

The first event is at the Five Towns Centre in Castleford on Thursday, September 10, the second is on October 8 at the Bradford-based Business & Innovation Centre.

On November 5 the roadshow will move to the Business & Technology Centre in Batley, then to Leeds Business Link on November 19 and back to Castleford on December 3.

Councillor Tony Cairns, chairman of Bradford Council's economic strategy sub-committee, said today: "Technical Informat-ion Service staff in Bradford have responded to increasing interest in patenting issues since these advice clinics started three years ago to offer the largest programme of its kind with the support of a range of partners."

For more information contact Jonathan Nott on 01274 754262.

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