THE city’s UNESCO City of Film connections will provide the backdrop to a new element at the YEN Expo business conference and exhibition later this month.

The annual one-day event at Bradford College on October 25, held in association with the Telegraph & Argus, will for the first time feature a Creative Zone showcasing college courses and career opportunities related to film and television.

David Wilson, director of Bradford City of Film, will host a display outlining its work and how Bradford College and the University of Bradford teach students the skills to succeed in the creative arts.

It will include displays from Bradford College’s media make-up and special effects team and a student demonstration of the skills they are learning to help them gain relevant industry experience.

The Creative Zone will also focus on traditional skills such as textile design and will include a weaving demonstration.

The College’s Advance Technology Centre will demonstrate equipment, including 3D imaging and printing, which has been used to produce models of the statues on City Hall.

YEN Expo will also include an interactive session on exporting with international trade adviser Donna Prior, from the Department for International Trade’s Yorkshire office.

Bradford’s future economic growth will be the focus of a panel discussion with key business figures, including Nasser Malik, chief executive of consumer credit specialist NMC Galaxy; Andy Welsh, Bradford College chief executive; Ian Ward, The Broadway general manager; Ben Fletcher, Boots Opticians managing director; Julian Jackson, Bradford Council’s assistant director of regeneration and Sandy Needham, chief executive, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Clare Viner, YEN business strategy director, said: “This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever, with a really varied programme of events covering a broad range of subjects.

“As well as bringing back many of the most popular sessions from last year we’ve introduced a lot of new elements to ensure there is something for everyone.”

She said the event would provide networking with businesses from across the UK.

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