Support for early British entry to the euro has risen, according to a new poll by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Two years ago a similar survey found just 22 per cent of businesses wanted to join the euro, today the figure has risen to 35 per cent.

Just 13 per cent of those questioned believe Britain should never join the euro, down from 17 per cent two years ago.

Nearly half, 49 per cent, of those surveyed favour a wait and see position - down from 59 per cent two years ago.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive officer at Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "The survey shows the level of division that still exists regarding opting for the single currency.

"Within our district, we have not really noticed a rise in enthusiasm for firms wanting join the euro but there is a certain inevitability among some operators that it will happen sooner or later.

"I would echo BCC's claim that, if the business community is to be won over, then more concentration on the economic side of the argument is needed to demonstrate the benefits."

A tax expert in Bradford says business leaders in the district are worried about European enlargement.

Jim Greenwood, who is a tax specialist at business advisory firm Grant Thornton, said firms fear expanding the European community will lead to an increase in taxes and red tape.

In a survey conducted by the Eldon Place-based company a massive 50 per cent of business owners expressed concern about increased taxes, while 67 per cent fear more regulations.

Mr Greenwood said: "Whilst the UK tax burden has increased over the last five years and is set to rise further, it is still lower than in most other countries in the EC.

"Business owners are probably concerned that they may face further tax increases to bring Britain into line with the rest of Europe.

"The amount of red tape emanating from Whitehall under the Labour government has become a bugbear of many businesses but, if there's one thing that provokes greater antipathy, it's red tape from Brussels."