IT BEGAN as an initiative through which professional firms all over York could link arms to show a united front to the world.

Now that it has evolved into a fighting force which is the envy of many other cities, the York Professional Initiative (YPI) is changing its name.

From now on the organisation, which promotes professional and financial services as a growth sector of the York economy, will be renamed York Professionals.

The new tag coincides with the organisation welcoming as a member City of York Council, emphasising its dedication to working in partnership with the authority to grow the value of business in the city.

The new name is part of a drive to reposition the organisation to the local and regional business community, recruit new members and further promote the professional and financial services provided by companies based in York.

More than 16,000 people are employed in the professional services sector in York.

This number is set to grow by 2026, as part of the developmental plans to achieve the Future York Group Report's vision to double the value of the economy.

John Yeomans, chairman of York Professionals, said: "YPI has evolved from being an initiative to become a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation and we wanted our name to reflect this as well as to better promote the services of our members.

"There has already been clear recognition of the importance of and growth potential for the professional and financial services sectors in the Future York Group Report and by growing our membership, York Professionals will be in a very strong position to shape the future of York's economy."

Rachel Goddard, vice-chairman, said: "Welcoming City of York Council as a member of York Professionals is very significant for both our organisation and the city.

"It shows York Professionals is acknowledged as a key contributor to the York economy and that City of York Council values its link with us, to help move the economy forward."

Bill Woolley, director of strategy at the city council, said: "The council has joined York Professionals to give us the opportunity to engage with businesses within the professional and financial sectors, which have been recognised as important for the future of York."

York Professionals holds monthly events for members, providing information on current issues facing the York economy, their businesses and an opportunity to discuss these with like-minded professionals and strategic partners.

A directory of professional and financial services, provided by members of York Professionals can be found on the recently modified website at www.york-professionals.co.uk York Professionals, the founder of Venturefest Yorkshire, bringing together the region's entrepreneurs with business "angels", will exhibit at this years' event at York Racecourse on February 26. For details about York Professionals, phone Helen Jackson on 01904 236110.