A SEARCH has begun for the temporary head of a new agency which will be responsible for promoting York’s tourism and developing its business sector.

City of York Council is looking at creating a private-sector-led agency to attract more investment and visitors to the city and raise its regional, national and international profile.

It wants to bring in a “visionary” transitional chairman with a business track record.

The appointment would initially be for a year and on a voluntary basis, with travel expenses paid and an average of two or three days’ work a week required.

The council said the chairman must be “passionate about the future economic wellbeing of York” and able to provide “dynamic, high-profile leadership”.

Interviews will start in next month, and the successful applicant will head up the appointment of a board and executive team as well as producing a five-year business strategy.

Plans for the new agency were drawn up after council officials said York was missing opportunities to promote itself better and a fresh approach was needed.

It could operate along the lines of similar organisations in London, Amsterdam and Newcastle/Gateshead.