Vernon Young reckons he has a few aces up his sleeve when it comes to educating local businesses.

For Vernon hardly misses a trick with cards - of the corporate kind.

He runs PITS Picture Cards, and has turned the humble business card into a powerful marketing tool.

Vernon, who has a strong client base in Keighley and uses local printer Raiseprint, gives the following advice to businesses considering commissioning or redesigning business cards:

l Add an image (a person, place or product) to help people remember you and your company

l Use both sides of the card to give more information

l Ensure it is no bigger than a credit card, to fit every purse or wallet

l Remember it is a form of communication, so what do you want it to say?

l Don't skimp on the quality - have it designed to follow corporate identity guidelines

l Add colour to your card

He suggests the following for use of the business card:

l Keep them pristine by using a small holder

l Use them proactively with all correspondence

l Encourage recipients to put them on a notice board for easy reference and for all to see

l Never be without some