Enterprising companies in Bradford were today flying to the Gulf region as part of a trade mission organised by the Government's UK Trade and Investment department.

Mumtaz Food Industries, Trescom and Zanoubia Communications are among a 13-strong delegation to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The mission is the second organised by UKTI in the region this year, following a successful visit to the Gulf in April.

Mumtaz Food Industries, based in Great Horton, was among the companies to take part in the original programme and is now successfully exporting its range of Halal baby foods to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The business is joining the trade mission to build further links with business partners in the region.

Brian Aungiers, of UKTI, said: The visit we undertook in April was a great success for everyone involved. Business in the Gulf is growing at an exponential rate and there are opportunities opening up all the time, across all sectors, for our region's companies to start to do business.

"Joining a trade mission is the best way of getting a feeling for the markets and business culture in the Gulf. It's an excellent introduction, which will go hand in hand with the other forms of support and advice available from UKTI.

"Our plan is to replicate the success of the last mission and extend this opportunity to as many of Yorkshire's businesses as we can."

Also taking part in the delegation is Saeeda Ahmed, who works with Bradford-based company Trescom, a research consultancy which helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Joining her will be Zanoubia Communications, a corporate communications company based in Cullingworth, which works with clients from the Arab world to help them enhance their image in the international community.

Neil Wilson, deputy head at the British Trade Office in Al Khobar and part of the mission, said: "Last year, British exports to the Gulf amounted to some £7 billion. GDP growth is forecast at five per cent this year, making the region a huge engine for growth. Governments across the region are embarking on ambitious investment programmes in order to diversify their economies and meet the aspirations of their growing populations.

"The Gulf remains one of the most dynamic and potentially rewarding regions in which to do business and one in which British firms, large and small are welcomed, respected and trusted."