A hundred jobs will be created in small to medium hi-tech and engineering firms across Yorkshire thanks to a new partnership headed by Bradford University.

The partnership has won £2million European funding which will help firms increase their competitiveness and create new products.

The cash will be made available to firms involved in multi-media, textiles, clothing, engineering and manufacturing in parts of West Yorkshire, Humberside and all of South Yorkshire.

The partners include Bradford Council, Bradford College, Business Link Bradford & District, the Bradford-based Confederation of British Wool Textiles, Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council, the Regional Innovation Strategy Boards for Multi-Media and Electronics and the Yorkshire and Humberside Universities Association.

The university is leading the way as part of a bid to link academic organisations with businesses.

The aim is to bring together industrialists and academics who will work together on multi-media projects and textile and design initiatives. The funding will help provide consultancy, the use of university equipment and research and development work.

Professor Colin Mellors, senior pro-vice chancellor at the university, said: "We are delighted by the news. It reflects the university's track record in working with industry to promote innovation and regeneration. The sectors chosen are particularly important to the local economy.

"It is especially timely since it coincides with the publication of the Yorkshire Forward economic strategy which gives high priority to innovation and the exploitation of the vast pool of knowledge that exists in the region."

Bradford University was the leading player in setting up the Yorkshire and Humberside Universities Association. This is a 10-strong group that has been working to forge stronger links with industry.

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