BUSINESS minds are being asked to play their role in the Big Society as Cumbria forms its first Local Economic Partnership.

A board of public and private sector representatives are needed for the group which will organise the county’s future development.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce have asked “entrepreneurial individuals” to freely represent their industry and geographical area in order to help the government tackle issues such as transport, infrastructure and planning.

Their representation is being sought after politicians decided to axe the North West Development Agency, which will dissolve next April.

Volunteer applications can come from those in profit, not for profit and social enterprise organisations. If successful, their place on the board would last for a year.

Recruitment packs have been organised by groups which produced Cumbria’s initial LEP bid, earlier this year. These include Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, Cumbria Tourism, the Federation of Small Businesses and the National Farmers' Union.

For more information call Cumbria Chamber of Commerce on 0845 226 0040.