SPEAK up all you business "characters" of York and North Yorkshire.

The regional Chamber of Commerce wants dynamic raconteurs at its monthly network lunch, "those who can talk the business talk about how they've walked the business walk," said Dave Tysall, director of the Chamber of Commerce

He said: "We are looking for inspirers rather than pontificators, people who will make us giggle as well as cogitate. In the past we have been fantastically blessed with great raconteurs. We need to continue that tradition.

"We are carefully studying the business profiles in the 2002 Evening Press Business of the Year for likely candidates. We already plan to collar whoever wins the competition's Business Personality of the Year."

Volunteers who want to talk or people nominating silver-tongued entrepreneurs in the region should contract Mr Tysall at 01937 581999 or email him at info@response-marketing.co.uk

Updated: 10:48 Tuesday, October 01, 2002