Leeds in Milan, which runs until Friday will see figures from the property, financial services, manufacturing, legal and education sectors, as well as councillors, take part in a series of seminars and networking events to promote Yorkshire's business capital.

Britain's ambassador to Italy Edward Chaplin, consul general in Milan and director for trade and industry in Italy Laurence Bristow-Smith, Lord Mayor of Leeds Frank Robinson, deputy leader of Leeds City Council Andrew Carter and assistant chief executive of the council James Rogers will all attend.

One day will be dedicated to each sector and the week will also feature performances from Opera North and Northern Ballet Theatre.

Deborah Green, chief executive of Marketing Leeds, which is running the event with UK Trade & Investment and the British Consulate in Milan, said: "We have a great programme of seminars and conferences planned.

"The week is a great opportunity for Milanese businesses to explore opportunities for doing business in the UK, and to build significant relationships with professionals in Leeds.

"We're not only here to showcase what Leeds has to offer as a destination for business and leisure, but also to offer tangible opportunities for business leaders in both cities across a broad range of business and cultural sectors."

She added: "There's a real synergy between our two cities."

Dr Bristow-Smith, said: "Leeds in Milan event will be interesting, informative, entertaining, sociable, but above all it will be a starting point for long-term business, cultural and civic relationships, which must be maintained and developed over future years if they are to achieve their full potential and put Leeds on the map in Italy."

Tomorrow Leeds Financial Services Initiative will host a session on public private partnerships, after which representatives from Leeds' property sector will deliver a seminar on regeneration by partnership.