COUNCILLORS are being asked to amend an agreed contract with Make it York to accommodate work to support businesses online.

Make it York was set up by City of York Council as a company in April this year, taking on the roles of marketing the city, attracting investment, and supporting business.

The company was legally established in April, with councillors approving a service level agreement, laying out the role of Make it York and its targets.

More than two months after the launch, councillors are now being asked to amend the service level agreement (SLA) to include recommendations from a scrutiny review, set up in January last year, to encourage traditional retail and independent businesses to make the most of newer technologies and telecommunications.

The scrutiny task group said it would ideally have welcomed the opportunity to feed in its views prior to the SLA being agreed, but because of cancelled cabinet meetings, was unable to do so.

It is now asking the council's executive to amend the SLA to encourage Make it York to use the success of the Bishopthorpe Road Traders’ Association to inspire other neighbourhood trader groups to collaborate on social media projects to increase business and profitability.

They also want Make it York to liaise with volunteer ambassadors to encourage local traders’ groups to engage in joint efforts and form local associations, and use social media to spread news about deals, events and skills sharing as well as provide wider training in social media and online skills.

Councillors will discuss the recommendations to the executive at its next meeting on Thursday 25.