Yorkshire Forward has promised major investment to boost Bradford's economy - if business leaders play an active part.

Richard Gregory, deputy chairman of the regional development agency, delivered the message at the 2001 Annual Dinner of Bradford Chamber of Commerce last night.

Addressing hundreds of company representatives at the Hanover International Hotel (formerly Cedar Court), Mr Gregory said the city needed to grasp the challenges of evolving into a 'knowledge economy'.

He said: "I know the Bradford Chamber has already begun to look at links between business and education. This demonstrates real foresight and forward thinking, because human investment is the engine of innovation in a new economy.

"Yorkshire Forward stands absolutely ready to invest very considerable amounts of money into the future of this city.

"We are keen for Bradford to develop proposals for an Urban Regeneration Company and we would urge business leaders in the city to please step forward and play their part."