The chief economist at the Institute of Directors is to give his views on what 2020 holds at a business event next month.

Tej Parikh will headline the first event of the year being staged by the IoD’s Cumbria branch at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith, on February 5 between 5.30pm and 7pm.

Mr Parikh has repeatedly called for the Government to protect businesses in the face of Brexit and to provide more help to companies in a bid to tackle the country’s “lacklustre” productivity levels.

He will give delegates an insight into what to expect from the economy in the year ahead, along with Barclays Bank economist Alan Budenberg.

Richard Dawson, regional director at investment and wealth management firm Rathbones, will offer advice on how businesses can best maximise their money in the current economic climate.

Chair of the IoD in Cumbria, Barry Leahey, will also speak at an event which is open to non IoD members, while committee members will outline the branches activities for the year ahead.

Mr Leahey said: ““I urge all proactive business people and company directors to join the IoD Cumbria Committee on what will be a very useful evening where we will learn from economic experts on their view of what the economy will hold in 2020 following the recent election and departure from the EU at the end of January.

“To cover all bases, we have a great speaker that will also cover off personal finance predictions for the year ahead.”

For more information and to register visit the events and community section of the IoD website.