YORK’S independent businesses have literally been put on the map thanks to a new initiative launched in the city.

Indie York was officially launched last week with the publication of a new map highlighting the location and offering of 100 independent businesses in the city centre.

The scheme, which has received funding from the York Business Improvement District (BID), was piloted in November with 30 members.

Since then membership has grown to 100, with many of the businesses present for the launch evening at Bootham School.

Alongside the new map, 5,000 copies of which are being distributed by Make it York and members businesses, the Indie York project features an interactive website, which together are designed to promote what it on offer for visitors and residents from the city’s independent businesses.

The Indie York initiative was originally created by a group of independent business owners known as the York Independent Business Association (YIBA) to help to restore independent businesses affected by the 2015 Boxing Day floods.

YIBA chairman Johnny Hayes said: “The plan is to extend the membership to 150 in the autumn and then to around 250 for next year.

“There are lots of businesses eager to be involved. We are very confident that these numbers of members will easily be achieved.

“The focus at the moment is central York and will remain so for the next edition. However we are looking to broaden this out as the map and website develop.

“YIBA hopes to fly the flag for independents in York and do what we can to help the voice of such businesses be heard.”

The launch event covered a number of topics currently facing independent businesses in York, including a presentation from Mat Lazenby of Lazenby Brown on alternatives to A-boards, including floor graphics, window chalk boards and flexible plastic signage, drawing inspiration from other cities around the world to help businesses signpost location and promote offers.