A major export development programme has been set up in Bradford by the city's prestigious Management Centre.

And the £500,000 programme has been given the aim of boosting overseas trade for firms throughout Yorkshire.

The programme, which is headed by Gonzalo Shoobridge, includes free training for managers funded by the European Social fund, an informative website and CD-Roms for distance learning.

It will also involve sending Management Centre MBA students out to companies in the region to act as mentors.

The training course, from October 16-31, has been set up with business partners in the district.

It aims to help current exporters and firms thinking of joining the growing band of people trading abroad, particularly from Bradford and West Yorkshire.

The prestigious business school, based in Emm Lane, Heaton, has won funding from the European Social Fund to run the two-week Export Training Seminar.

The course is aimed at managers in small to medium-sized businesses in the region and will focus on how international business works, international marketing and export procedures.

Business partners involved in the programme include Chamber Management Services, the service arm of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Bradford University, Business Link Bradford & District, Interactive Multimedia Business Solutions Ltd, HSBC Bank, Gordons Cranswick solicitors and Future Forwarding.