Bradford firms are being urged to take up European funding to help them boost sales abroad.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce says there is cash available to boost the export marketing skills of firms in the district from the European Social Fund.

A spokesman said firms in the Objective 2 area of Bradford with less than 250 employees could get 100 per cent funding to send staff on a one-day export marketing course.

The training course, on Wednesday, September 13, at Phoenix House, Thornbury, Bradford, is designed to help managers and staff develop an understanding of marketing on a global scale.

The Government-backed Trade Partners UK organisation says the UK is squandering up to £10 billion a year in export opportunities due to poorly focused efforts.

Judith Donovan, the Chamber's president, said: "Staff do need the necessary skills and know-how to develop their customer base in global markets." For details contact Claire Dodsworth on (01274) 7772777.