A major initiative is to be launched in Bradford to persuade more young people to become entrepreneurs.

A series of events is planned to coincide with Enterprise Week, which begins on November 14.

The move comes as figures reveal contrasting levels of self-employment in Bradford, which as a whole is 1.3 per cent lower than the national average. The figures show that Shipley is the area's self-employment hotspot with 14 per cent running their own business compared to only 8.7 per cent in South Bradford.

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has put its weight behind moves to create more business owners in the city.

"Enterprise is not a subject that should be talked about for only one week in the year - we must talk about it every week in the year," said head of enterprise Alex McWhirter.

"However, Enterprise Week presents us with a superb platform to showcase what is already going on across the region on a huge scale."

The district is hosting a string of events including the Bradford Regeneration Challenge in which young people will take part in a survey to out what they really think of the city. On November 15, Bradford University is hosting a workshop on the practicalities of international trade and the next day it is running an enterprise forum for women.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce is also heavily involved in the programme. On November 17 it is organising Get ON Board, an event exploring the benefits of social enterprises and community businesses and featuring Steve Szostak, the former chief executive of Business Link in Bradford.

Helen Mallinson of West Yorkshire Social Enterprise Link, said: "We feel this day will be useful to our clients who are struggling to find members or volunteers and who aren't quite sure how to go about it."

A workshop on November 18 by First World Records aims to look at ways in which young people can get started in the music industry.

Richard Wightman, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "We think that the idea of Enterprise Week is a good one. It raises awareness of the merits and opportunities of being in business, and enhances relationships and links between business and other organisations.

"Bradford has a proud history of entrepreneurial spirit and we support the initiatives underway to maintain that."