A CHESHIRE-based support organisation for smaller firms is on the lookout for an ambassador to represent small businesses in the East of England.

The Forum of Private Business is hoping to find a prominent local figurehead to become its business development manager for the region.

The new role presents an opportunity for someone who is passionate about small businesses to communicate the issues and concerns facing firms in their local area, said FPB’s Phil McCabe.

The not-for-profit Forum is one of the six main business groups recognised by the Government. Formed in 1977, it represents around 20,000 SMEs across the UK.

The business development manager’s role, which covers counties including Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, also involves increasing forum membership among SMEs in the Eastern region.

Mr McCabe said: “We’ve recently been increasing our network of regional representatives around the UK. We’ve done this both to gain valuable feedback from smaller firms on the ground in each region, and also to raise awareness of the benefits forum membership brings among local business communities.

“As part of this, we’re looking for someone who is passionate about SMEs effectively to act as our ambassador for the Eastern region and provide valuable feedback about the particular challenges smaller firms are facing on the ground.

“The East of England is an area of great economic importance and we’re looking forward to having someone on the ground who can act as a champion to its rich variety of smaller businesses.”

Potential applicants can find out more and meet representatives from the organisation at a free breakfast networking event at the Doubletree Hilton, Granta Place, Cambridge, on Tuesday, November 30, from 8am to 10am.