A businessman is trying to prevent his town being “overlooked” with a new networking scheme.

And Ian Dawes is hoping the InGuiseley network can flourish and boost trade in the town through a series of events and initiatives.

Since November, Mr Dawes, who runs Subway in White Cross, has been meeting with fellow retailers to try to create a network of local traders to help each other increase awareness of businesses in Guiseley.

Later this month he has set up another event and hopes to discuss several initiatives including a loyalty card discount plan, a “Buy Local” advertising scheme, a trade fair and exhibition and a free town map.

“I feel that when it comes to business, Guiseley is getting seriously overlooked,” Mr Dawes said. “Towns like Ilkley, Otley and Skipton have recently held similar events with great success.

“Hopefully businesses in Guiseley can get together and network as a community. Having tried several local networking clubs myself I was feeling disappointed due to many of the attendees seeming to be from companies who are based further away.

“I believe networking works best when you deal with people from the local community.”

So far more than 60 businesses in Guiseley have become involved in the InGuiseley scheme and a new website, guiseley.net, has been set up to promote the group and its work.

The next InGuiseley meeting will be at Coopers Bar, Guiseley, on Thursday, March 29, at 4pm. Future meetings will be held on the last Thursday of every month (except December) and there will be a charge for the event of £5, which includes free coffee or tea.

For more details, e-mail Ian Dawes via ian@totallyfresh.net.