A record 25 businesses have signed up to sponsor Bradford's biggest-ever presence at a prestigious world property conference on the French Riviera.

Returning to the MIPIM event at Cannes for a third successive year, Bradford and its sponsor partners will showcase the regeneration progress in the district.

They will take the opportunity to launch new development plans to leading property experts during an event described as the Oscars of the property world.

Last year, more than 700 senior decision makers, developers and property investors from across the world visited the Bradford apartment to learn more about the city's ambitious £2 billion regeneration and investment opportunities.

This year, organisers of Bradford's presence in Cannes offered the opportunity for companies to sign up to be "gold sponsors" - a chance seized upon by several businesses, including global property advisors DTZ.

Jon Turner, of DTZ, said: "MIPIM is a good way to keep raising the profile of Bradford, and it makes sense for us to be involved."

Other gold sponsors include property consultancy Arup, which has joined forces with Magellan and the Robinson Design Group to promote the Channel development.

Harold Robinson, chairman of Ship-ley-based Magellan Properties, said the event would provide the first real chance for the district to showcase some of the completed regeneration projects, including the Gatehaus.

"As well as telling people what's going to happen, it's important we can show some of the things that have already happened," said Mr Robinson.

Mohammed Ishtiaq, of Mi7, another gold sponsor, said: "This is our third year of sponsorship. The first year was reconnaissance, the second year we needed to get planning and consultants involved and this year we have something to showcase in terms of the scheme we are putting forward for the sustainable student village at Listerhills."

Another coup for Bradford is the sponsorship of MACE construction, a company involved in building terminal five at Heathrow Airport.

Leaders from Bradford Chamber and members of Bradford Centre Regener-ation, headed by chief executive Maud Marshall, will represent the city at this year's event, between March 11 and 13. They will be joined by Bradford television personality Linda Barker and York-shire Forward representatives.

Maud Marshall, chief executive of BCR, said: "MIPIM provides a hugely important platform for us and the other companies involved in the regeneration of Bradford to talk to some of the world's leading property figures.

"That a record number of sponsors for MIPIM have signed up shows their confidence in the city and their belief in its regeneration.

"This year we have the backing of some new international players in addition to a wide range of valued local and regional supporters."

Other key sponsors include Bradford law firm Last Cawthra Feather, Bradford Chamber, marketing agency Brahm, McGinnis Develop-ments, Knight Frank property agents, McAleer and Rushe, developers from Northern Ireland, Drivers Jonas property agents, Square Foot Devel-opments, Holroyd Properties, Gleesons and Dixon Law solicitors.