OTLEY Chamber of Trade has launched a new mentoring scheme.

The group is offering the free service to all of its members and any Otley BID levy-paying businesses.

The initiative means individuals can seek advice or discuss issues, via e-mail, with a team of eight experienced local business people.

Chamber President Katie Burnett said: "I am very interested in education and believe you never stop learning.

"This is definitely the case in business where just to stand still you have to keep adapting to changing customer needs, changing technologies and a changing world.

"Otley is lucky to have so many fabulous independent businesses, but sometimes when you are a one-man band or part of a small team it can be a lonely place with no-one to bounce ideas around with."

She added: "Mentoring is a supportive form of developing an individual or an organisation.

"It is not about telling someone what to do, but listening to what they want to achieve and offering advice, suggestions, contacts and questions that might help the person move forward with their goals.

"Within businesses mentoring programmes are proven to improve every area, from profits to staff morale.

"We are happy to help new businesses and existing businesses looking for support."

The project is Katie's final one before she hands on the presidency for the coming year to Keeley Kears, of Doris Dent Estates, in March.

The mentoring team consists of: Elspeth Harrow of Newstead & Walker Solicitors; Martin Bate of Sentient UK; Katie Burnett of Courtyard Planters; Ryan Overton of Hollings Crowe Storr LLP; John Thornton (retired, construction industry); Les Winder of Cranberry cafe; Jenni Small of Jenni's Dresser and Trevor Backhouse of Patisserie Viennoise.

Anyone interested in contacting one of the mentors should send an e-mail to: admin@otleychamber.co.uk, stating Mentoring in the subject line.