Anticipation is growing for one of the region's most important business networking events.

Motor racing legend and successful businessman Jackie Stewart will be the star speaker at this year's Department of Trade and Industry (DTi) Innovation lecture in Bradford on June 26.

The three times world champion's involvement has helped organisers Bradford Breakthrough sell most of its tickets. His presence will be 'virtual', via a satellite link with Belfast beamed live to the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television. A simultaneous broadcast will go out to 29 other DTi sites nationwide. The Bradford event is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Business Link for West Yorkshire, Bradford Chamber of Commerce, and local firms Gordons Cranwick and Baker Tilly.

Chief Executive of the Chamber, Sandy Needham, added: "It's always interesting to hear from a successful person and to see what new perspective they may bring to being innovative in business."

Stewart's speech - Finding New Ways of Doing Business - will focus on how UK manufacturers can use innovation to successfully compete in the world market.

A panel made up of representatives from the district's leading companies will join in a question-and-answer session after the lecture.

Bradford Breakthrough's chief executive, Tim Hindley, said: "We have built a reputation for events, and now we find that regional business people are open-minded and want to listen and to learn.

"We also like to make it an occasion to remember, and we ensure our panel of local business leaders are good at answering questions and are an attraction in themselves."

Anyone interested in attending can call Bradford Breakthrough on (01274) 735210.