Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is calling on leading local business women to come forward and join its board.

The LEP is looking to recruit female leaders from Cumbria’s business community to strengthen representation on its board.

Applications are also sought from those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

The Cumbria LEP board provides an excellent opportunity to be involved in shaping and developing the strategy and plans to take Cumbria’s economy to the next level and to work on behalf of all of Cumbria’s businesses and people.

Successful candidates will have significant experience and a successful track record in an ownership or senior managerial or executive capacity within a business organisation active in the Cumbria LEP area.

They will also demonstrate the necessary leadership and corporate governance skills to operate effectively at board level.

The LEP said it was particularly keen to hear from female business leaders operating in construction, logistics, professional services or the rural economy, although applicants from other sectors would be equally welcome.

Cumbria LEP chair Lord Inglewood said: “An important requirement of our new structure is to ensure that we reflect the communities that we serve.

“We are therefore very keen to improve gender equality on our board, as well as looking to secure representatives from people with protected characteristics.

“All LEPs have a target to achieve at least a third female board membership by 2020 and equal representation by 2023.”

Cumbria LEP board member Julie Mennell adds: “This is a great time for more local business women to join our board.

“I’m very proud to be a member of the Cumbria LEP board. New board members will have a chance to make a real difference to Cumbria’s economy.”

The closing date for applications is December 21.