Channel 4’s impending move to Leeds has caused demand for new “digital” businesses in West Yorkshire to skyrocket, a meeting heard.

So much so, that a fund designed to help tech start-ups has been more than doubled by decision-makers to help the region keep up with demand.

At a meeting yesterday, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) investment committee agreed to increase funding for the Digital Inward Investment Fund – a programme which provides grants to small and medium enterprises in the digital and creative sector.

The fund, which was until now limited to £1 million, has been increased to £2.5 million, such is the demand for businesses wanting to set up in the sector.

It will also now be open to businesses which were originally based in the region, known as “indigenous” companies, as it was previously only open to companies looking to relocate.

WYCA officer David Shepherd said: “We want the criteria of the scheme to be changed to include include indigenous businesses inside the region.

“Ninety nine percent of creative businesses have 0-9 people working for them, and having a scheme to support them is vital – we have seen strong demand, but we have had to say ‘no’.

“We have seen such demand for this , we think it’s something that is really important.”

Chair of the committee and leader of Wakefield Council Coun Peter Box said: “We expect more applications from indigenous firms across small industries.

“The technology some firms use is unbelievable now.”

Chair of the Leeds City Region enterprise board Roger Marsh told the meeting the growth in demand had been accelerated by Channel 4’s move to the region.

Coun Box added: “Channel 4 will increase the number of requests.”