A major business conference is being held in Bradford next week to promote a top-level management development programme.

An introductory conference to the Business Masters Management Development Programme has already attracted more than 100 delegates and will be held at Bradford's Stakis Hotel on Thursday, February 26 from 4pm to 8pm.

The programme, which is being backed by the Telegraph & Argus, is a joint venture between Bradford Management Centre - and arm of the city's university, Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council, Business Link Bradford & District and fds Group of Huddersfield.

The conference will be chaired by TV personality Richard Whiteley and has attracted top speakers including Judith Donovan, the TEC's chairman and Professor David Johns, the university's vice-chancellor.

Other speakers are Tim Parkinson, deputy chairman of Airedale Springs, Haworth, Brian Shaw, managing director of the Pinco Group, Bradford, Professor Amin Rajan, chief executive of Create and Howard Bell, chief executive of the city's Provident Financial.

The event is being organised by Denise Stones who was previously business development manager for the Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

She will be directing the year-long programme which is aimed at improving competitiveness among small and medium-sized companies in the Bradford area.

The first programme is limited to 30 places with normal costs heavily subsidised by the TEC and Business Link to make it more accessible to smaller firms.

Eligible candidates will take part in an assessment after the conference so that the programme can be tailored to their needs.

The programme, which starts in April, will fill a gap in the provision of management training between conventional short courses and the heavier commitment of a business degree.

It has been structured to appeal to busy managers of firms employing up to 250 people who do not have much time but who are keen to grow their business and become more competitive.

Further details are available on the conference and the programme on 0800 7833620 or 01484 607776.

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