Bradford could boost its business fortunes by exploiting transport problems in Leeds, according to a new poll.

A survey by Eldon Place financial services firm Grant Thornton found companies in Leeds were complaining because the city had become too congested.

The Business Barometer poll found less than half of Bradford's businesses, 41 per cent, reported that the city's transport issues had got worse during 2002.

A whopping 62 per cent of companies in Leeds said transport problems had increased.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive for the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "Bradford could capitalise on transport.

"With nearly two-thirds of Leeds respondents being concerned about local transport, Leeds may be in danger of being a victim of its own success and grind to a halt.

"We could exploit that by improving roads here and attract more investors, commuters and shoppers into Bradford."

The poll also revealed 41 per cent of businesses in Bradford reported a rise in turnover over the past six months, with 55 per cent of business owners in the city saying the increase in turnover will be mirrored in output in the next six months.

The poll found companies in Bradford and Leeds are by far the most confident in the region - 48 per cent of Leeds firms reported a rise in turnover, while 59 per cent of the city's firms expect output to rise during the next six month period.

Mr Cartwright added: "Local businesses certainly are resilient. At a time when economic growth is slowing down and public finances are worsening, this survey illustrates the true grit of the north when it comes to determination to succeed.

"No-one could blame businesses for feeling a little shaky but that's evidently not the case. Business confidence is built on that determination, which bodes well for the future."

The poll also found Bradford's firms export the most in the region, 15 per cent. Just ten per cent in export in North Yorkshire and 12 per cent in Leeds.

Nearly half of Bradford's firms, 41 per cent, expect profits to rise during the next six months, while the number falls to just 28 per cent in Leeds.

More than half of the region's businesses, 52 per cent, reported rises in costs during the past six months.

Costs have risen the most in Leeds, where 61 per cent of firms reported an increase.

Bradford businesses are the most concerned about rising costs, with 62 per cent expecting them to rise in 2003.