Qype has launched a breakthrough feature designed to boost business and help companies keep in touch with their loyal followers.

The new ‘Follow Us’ button means users of Europe’s largest consumer reviews site can now keep in touch with their favourite businesses, from bars and restaurants to hairdressers and plumbers.

By clicking ‘Follow Us’ fans will receive a roundup of all the latest news and activity from their favourite places on Qype, in one friendly weekly email.

The brand new feature is the first of its kind and will give businesses the tools to interact directly with their customers through the social networking site.

Businesses with Qype’s Premium listings will be able to use the weekly communication to send out additional information to their followers, including exclusive e-vouchers and invitations to events.

“Qype is leading the way in creating live, online relationships between retailers and consumers. We expect ‘Follow Us’ to take consumer loyalty, interaction and response to an entirely new level,” said Richard Dennys, chief marketing officer at Qype.

Qype attracts 22 million monthly visits and features over 1.9 million reviews spanning 166,000 towns and cities worldwide.

The website and Qype’s mobile app provide a ‘one-stop’ solution for consumers searching for businesses and services in a specific area.