Bradford’s main business body increased profits, attracted new members and retained most of its existing ones during the recession.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce saw membership rise by 18 per cent in the year to March 31– the highest annual rise for five years – as more firms sought help and support.

It also achieved its target of retaining more than 80 per cent of existing members through providing a range of services and events.

The self-financing Chamber also enabled firms with cashflow problems to pay subscriptions through monthly installments.

Sandy Needham, chief executive, said it was part of its approach to treating companies on an individual basis and recognising their needs.

She said: “We don’t get any funding except that which we generate ourselves. That’s why we have adapted to the economic climate by ensuring we provide a level of support, advice and services which is worth more than what businesses pay us.”

During the year Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Commerce Court Limited and Bradford Enterprise Agency Limited achieved a group profit after taxation of £24,652, against £1,487 the previous year.

President Harold Robinson said financial highlights included an 89 per cent occupancy of the incubator units at the chamber’s business park at Laisterdyke; Chamber International handling more than 15,000 documents for exporters in West and North Yorkshire and the Bradford Enterprise Agency lending £1m to companies not supported by normal banking sources.

He said: “ Whilst the Chamber’s core business resulted in a loss for the year, this was amply made up by strong trading figures from Commerce Court and Bradford Enterprise Agency, thus allowing members to receive the many services the core business supplies at very competitive rates.

“I am also happy to report we start the new financial year in good heart with many exciting prospects in hand.”

Sandy Needham said new services included launching the Keighley Business Network.

The Network for Enterprising Women’s Success was also created to incorporate the ideas and wishes of more than 250 women in Bradford. The Better Business Environment Forum won the right to become the green business forum for West Yorkshire and had solved waste problems for companies and helped to reduce energy usage.