Businesses across Bradford have been urged to tap into the success of the city's growing film trade.

As an increasing number of film crews decide to shoot in the area, traders are being advised on how to take maximum advantage of the incoming trade, which amounted to about £1 million in Bradford last year.

The Yorkshire Screen Commission, which aims to attract film and television projects to the region, stressed it was not just companies in the creative world who could cash in on the media explosion.

The commission invited about 90 small and medium-sized firms to Bradford's National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, yesterday to brief them on the lucrative market.

Paul McMullen, from the commission, said: "There are very many opportunities within the film and television trade but some firms may be put off because it is shrouded with mystique."

He added: "It is not just creative companies which can benefit - there are a whole host of auxiliary jobs for people such as electricians, joiners or security guards."

He added: "By building a comprehensive infrastructure of service and support companies ranging from caterers and carpenters to coach companies, British and international production companies will be queuing up to film in the area."

Yesterday's conference came at the launch of YSC's Take 3 initiative which aims to maximise the benefits of the television and film industry's interest in West Yorkshire.

Last year it brought £4 million to the region and YSC believes there is much more to come.

The scheme, which is backed by a European Regional Development Fund grant, aims to help new businesses get off the ground as well as encouraging existing firms to diversify to take in the media market.

Liz Rymer, YSC's screen commissioner, said: "The Take 3 initiative is part of our ongoing commitment - the economic benefits from a successful television or film production are enjoyed by the whole of the West Yorkshire region. This is a very exciting time for all local businesses."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.