The Helmsley Group, the York- based property investment firm which was a sponsor of last month's Yorkshire International Business Convention in Harrogate, has signed up to back next year's event.

The firm, which has a property portfolio of about £35 million, has reported unprecedented demand for its syndicated property opportunities following high levels of interest from delegates.

John Eeles, Helmsley's managing director, said: "We have a small, yet loyal client base of high net worth individuals and pension funds and felt that the convention was a good way to broaden our net to new clients.

"The level of interest we received for our syndicated property was huge, so much so that we are now working harder than ever to meet demand.

"In volatile times particularly, clients are looking for consistently reasonable returns.

"Well-chosen syndicated property is providing exactly that, with investors typically enjoying a secure annual yield of between seven and ten per cent plus all capital growth on an appreciating asset.

"By carefully selecting premises with blue-chip tenants on long leases, we can offer considerable security to investors, even when other investments look risky."

Updated: 11:01 Monday, July 05, 2004