A pioneering link-up with France has been secured by Keighley Business Forum which could lead to £4 million of European funding.

A delegation from the forum visited Rennes, Brittany's regional capital to establish foreign business partnerships which will be used to develop its innovative waste minimisation programme.

Forum director Iain Copping said: "Like ourselves, Brittany is doing sterling work on the environment front and we feel we can learn a lot from each other."

As a result of the successful trip a return delegation from Brittany will cross the Channel later this month for talks on how to introduce new joint policies which will help both countries meet their environmental obligations.

"This represents a major development for our waste minimisation programme, which is already benefiting many companies in the district and now takes on international significance. The forum is taking the lead on behalf of the whole Yorkshire region," Mr Copping added.

Keighley Business Forum launched its pioneering programme in September 1996. Now, 18 months on, it is one of the country's largest and most successful schemes of its kind.

More than 80 companies from Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds have signed up for the project which offers advice on how to reduce waste, water and energy usage.

Services available to members include free on-site reviews to identify cost-cutting measures and recycling opportunities, and a range of seminars and workshops.

The forum has already been asked to take its programme into the USA by the Governor of Arkansas State.

The Yorkshire delegation to Brittany was led by the forum's president Sir James Hill and included Councillor Andy Mudd - chairman of the district's Regeneration Board. They met with leaders of France's Regional Government for Brittany and the Chamber of Commerce.

Keighley Business Forum's European links will be further strengthened in the near future with the signing of a second waste minimisation agreement with the Thuringen region of Germany.

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