Small firms in the south Bradford area are to be given a major boost with a multi-million pound project funded by the European Union.

Bradford University and nine others from the Yorkshire and Humberside region have won £10.5 million to assist firms in the region. Matched funding from local authorities in the region and the Government will push the total figure up to more than £30 million.

The university is a leading light behind a consortium which made a bid for the money.

The cash was won by the Yorkshire and Humberside Universities Association for the two-year programme

Professor Colin Mellors, Bradford University's pro-vice chancellor, is chairman of the Association.

The project will include a scheme for graduate placements in business, provide firms with business support from the universities, underpin a training programme for employers working in new business sectors, information technology support and assistance with recruiting and training of graduates.

Jeremy Walker, regional director of the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "Yorkshire and Humberside Universities Association is unique and, with the help of European funding, is making a significant contribution to the economic development of the region.

"It makes sound economic sense to give small businesses access to the skills and technological resources of some of the country's leading universities."

Professor Mellors said: "Universities are increasingly recognised as crucial to strategies for economic regeneration with a central role to play in regional issues.

"In Yorkshire and Humberside our partnership approach means that we have been especially strongly placed to help shape the new institutions such as the Regional Development Agency that will come into effect next year."

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