Video: Yorkshire Mafia gathers for business conference

Organisers said the first day of the two-day event attracted just over 2,000 people and reported “nothing but positive news” from the 150 exhibitors.

Geoff Shepherd, the founder, said attendees were “positive, upbeat and looking forward to business”.

A poll of delegates suggested that Yorkshire SMEs are placing more faith in their own abilities to achieve growth.

The survey by Snapshot Media showed that 65 per cent of respondents said that the measures in George Osborne’s Budget would not help them grow. And 83 per cent said the measures would not encourage them to invest or hire new staff.

Nevertheless, 55 per cent said they are “cautiously optimistic” about the next 12 months. That was against the 30 per cent who are “pessimistic” about the outlook.

The 49 respondents offered some choice suggestions on which single measure they would most like to see to help their companies.