Last updated at 09:30, Tuesday, 15 January 2013

Business people get the chance to put politicians on the spot when the Federation of Small Businesses hosts a Question Time-style event next week.

Infrastructure is the theme of the question-and-answer session, at Tullie House Museum in Castle Street, Carlisle, at 7.30pm on Thursday.

On the panel are Chris Davies, a Liberal Democrat North West Euro MP; Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for economy and highways; and Dr Joe Hendry, leader of Carlisle City Council. The logistics company Stobart Group, whose plans to redevelop Carlisle Airport go back before city councillors later this month, is also sending a representative. The meeting will be chaired by Julian Whittle, business editor of The Cumberland News.

The Federation’s Carlisle and Penrith branch has organised the event in response to concerns that the North in general, and Cumbria in particular, is missing out on infrastructure spending. Branch secretary Philip Nash said: “The amount of expenditure on infrastructure for the South East and Greater London exceeds £2,000 a year per head of population. Here it’s more like £40 per head.

“Infrastructure investment would make an enormous difference.”

The event is free and open to everyone, not just members of the Federation of Small Businesses. Refreshments will be provided. Call 01228 523724 to book a place.

First published at 09:26, Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk