RETAILERS in York's city centre are being invited to a networking event to talk about issues affecting business.

Held at Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant in Little Swinegate on Wednesday, March 11, the event is being organised by York Retail Forum.

As well as providing a networking opportunity for the city's retailers, the event will feature speakers including representatives from the City Centre Police along with Steve Hughes the new manager for the Business Improvement District (The Bid) and Steve Shooter, the interim City Centre and Markets manager.

Angela Horner from York Retail Forum, said: "This is a great opportunity for members to come and actually talk to one another outside the meeting environment.

"We are still on a mission to increase membership which will help to improve communication amongst us all and help us address the issues that are important to us in the City of York."

The forum is inviting both members and non-members to the event, and is encouraging existing members to bring a guest from the city's retail industry.

To sign up for the event, which starts at 6.30pm on March 11, email Mrs Horner at ah@browns-york.co.uk York Retail Forum, which represents around 80 businesses, is working to tackle challenges faced by retailers including out-of-town shopping, internet commerce, rising business rates and increasing parking charges.

It aims to "help to improve conditions, facilities and services for retailers and their customers, drive greater sustainability in the city centre, and represent the views of retailers with one voice".