The hunt is on to find business leaders to play a key role in a new partnership which will press for economic growth and the creation of jobs in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was given the green light in December and is one of 27 organisations formed nationally after the government announced it was axing regional development agencies.

The government is hoping that by creating the public and private sector enterprise partnerships in 'more meaningful economic areas', it will help the areas determine their economic priorities locally and will drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs.

The board will be made up of business leaders and representatives from local authorities and higher or further education.

And the partnership is looking for five 'persuasive and influential' business leaders to serve on the board for an initial 12 months.

Advertisements have been taken out explaining that the 'skills and experience' of those leaders will be 'vital to the LEP's success.'

The LEP development group is co-chaired by Peter Barry, managing director of Pasta Foods in Great Yarmouth and Andy Wood, chairman of brewer Adnams and chairman of Choose Suffolk.

Mr Barry said: 'Candidates must be persuasive and influential business leaders willing to bring energy and passion to help shape the future direction of economic development across New Anglia.

'The skills and experience of private sector board members will be vital to the LEP's success.

'We are looking for business leaders who want to give something back, to contribute and help secure an environment in which Norfolk and Suffolk businesses can flourish and develop the New Anglia economy.

'Applications from business leaders with experience of small to medium sized enterprises or with experience of social enterprises and third-sector activity will be welcome.'

The successful candidates will initially serve for a 12-month term and will need to commit to a minimum of a day per month, starting in the spring.

The board positions are not remunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed and all expense claims will be published in line with the board's full transparency requirements.

Chris Starkie, joint lead of the LEP transition team, said there had already been a good number of high-calibre applicants.

For application forms and further information, call Chris Starkie on 01603 233035 or visit www.newanglia.co.uk. The closing date is Friday, March 25.

dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk