THE YORK business community spoke today of its delight after the city emerged as the most prosperous business town in Yorkshire, ahead of Leeds.

According to a survey of top businesses in 150 towns and cities across the country, York is top in the region and 18th in the country.

The survey, conducted by Dun & Bradstreet, the business information agency, 82.5 per cent of York businesses are making a profit.

Roland Harris, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was delighted with the news.

He said: "It is always encouraging to receive positive news about York, especially in the light of the last six months when York was hit hard by the floods crisis.

"The figures reflect the changing economy of York and North Yorkshire.

"If you look back over the last two decades, the economy in York has diversified considerably. In the past, the economy centred on confectionery and railway engineering with a measure of tourism.

"Now tourism and retail has been strengthened, along with financial and professional developments, and work in the high-tech and bio-science fields at York University.

"All of these things are very positive and a reflection of the good work York's inward investment policy has had in attracting investors."

The statistics show the city is way ahead compared with last year, when it came 59th nationally.

The city also beat Leeds, back in 59th place, and Harrogate, which was in 39th place nationally, with 80.9 per cent of businesses making a profit.

Rotherham came off the worst in 150th place, with the report stating the town only had 69 per cent of companies making a profit.

Taking first place was Grimsby, beating off Richmond in Surrey, Exeter, Brentwood and Bury St Edmunds, with 88.5 per cent of businesses showing profit.

North Yorkshire as a whole came in ninth place out of 67 counties, with Herefordshire taking first place.

John Yeomans, founder member of the York Professional Initiative and president of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This news is very welcome and shows that all the hard work of the main agencies involved over the last few years is paying off. In particular it shows the objective of creating quality sustainable jobs which provide prosperity throughout the community is achievable.

"We must all continue with the work to maintain the city's present position in Yorkshire and to push it up the national league table." The report has been produced annually by Dun & Bradstreet since 1994.

Updated: 11:48 Monday, March 26, 2001