THE membership of Ilkley Business Forum has appointed three officers at its annual general meeting.

The meeting, on May 10, saw Helen Rhodes, owner of Poppy Red Shoes was voted in as chairperson, whilst Ian White, of Bluehoop Digital Limited is taking on the role of communications officer and Julia Forrester of Tax Assist Accountants will continue in post as treasurer, and play a role supporting the new chairperson.

Ilkley Business Forum is run by local business people and works to address the issues which face local businesses, offering support and a friendly, relaxed environment in which business owners can exchange ideas.

The newly elected chairperson Helen Rhodes said: “Ilkley Business Forum is keen to reach out to local businesses of all types and sizes and to find out more about the issues which affect them. We also work hard to promote and support businesses in the LS29 area with the aim of creating a thriving business community.”

Ian White added: “Ilkley Business Forum is a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment. It’s a great place to exchange ideas, learn from others and meet new contacts. We hold regular informal meetings and as we have ambitious plans to grow our membership, I’d certainly encourage any LS29 businesses who are interested to join.”

Amongst the work the forum does, they’ve been busy supporting the Business Improvement District (BID) proposal, have been campaigning to change the A-Board ban which affects all businesses throughout the Bradford region, and have provided advertising boards for the local business community in the town’s main car park.

To find out more about Ilkley Business Forum, visit their website at www.ilkleybusinessforum.co.uk or come along to the next meeting held on Wednesday, June 14 at The Yard in Ilkley.

Ilkley Business Forum was established in 2009 and now has over 80 members.