Bradford businesses were briefed on potential opportunities from the Tour de France Grand Depart which visits the area this summer.

Delegates gathered at the Alhambra Theatre were urged to start shaping their plans for growth as the Tour de France is expected to bring more than three million extra visitors to the region.

Amjad Pervez, president of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, which co-sponsored the event with Barclays bank, said: “As someone that is passionate about Bradford, we really need to encourage businesses to start thinking creatively and think about what opportunities the Tour de France will bring for their business.

“The interactive map on the official site for the Grand Depart is a fantastic tool for businesses to use to not only check the route, but see what other activities are happening as the race passes through each location.”

Caroline Pullich, Barclays head of business banking in Yorkshire, said: “We are working hard to make sure all our customers make the most of this fantastic opportunity which will showcase Yorkshire to 190 countries around the world. We’ll never get a better opportunity to show the world just how great Yorkshire is.”

Peter Dodds, marketing director of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, encouraged businesses to think about not just the opportunities, but also the impact over the weekend of the race on deliveries, staffing and customers. He said businesses could access a series of hints and tips and other resources on the Welcome to Yorkshire website.

The Tour de France Grand Depart takes place on the weekend of July 5 and 6 and the first stage races will pass through Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, Addingham and the Yorkshire Dales National Park followed by Silsden, Keighley, Cross Hills and Haworth on the second day.