The head of a growing business forum has vowed to help traders survive in the difficult economic climate after the group’s founder stood down.

Stephen Butler is now the acting chairman of the Ilkley Business Forum, after founding member Paul Birch decided to step down to concentrate on work commitments.

Mr Birch was appointed chairman of the IBF in September 2009, when it was formed by a group of local traders and retailers to help businesses and consumers in the LS29 area.

Successful projects under his stewardship since then have included a customer loyalty scheme and a series of summer showcases promoting businesses in the area.

But Mr Butler believes he can help the forum and businesses in Ilkley improve even further.

A Retail Trail will be launched in the town this spring along with a new website, while a third summer showcase is planned for June 16.

Mr Butler, of Butler and Kandler Solicitors, said: “I am going to have my plate full to keep on Paul’s work. He worked so hard for IBF for so long and his good sense and organisational ability will be missed.

“However, we still have a great team – Jayne Heselton is the acting secretary while Debbie Spedding of Advanced Wellness is on maternity leave; Gerard Simpson continues his good work as treasurer, ably assisted by Julia Forester of Tax Assist; and we have a very good committee as well as a brand new website about to launch.

“Paul’s most recent success was arranging the meeting with Councillor David Green from Bradford Council and getting him to promise to consult Ilkley businesses more about the way the Council runs the town.

“My priority will be to continue to help businesses in LS29 to survive and even improve in these difficult times. The Retail Trail will be the first project we undertake this year and it is going to be great.”

Mr Birch will remain a member of the IBF committee.

The next IBF meeting is at 5.45pm on Thursday at the Rugby Club, when the speaker will be Simon Malcolm, who will give help to businesses about their branding.

All LS29 businessmen and women are welcome.