BUSINESS and tourism chiefs from across Cumbria will come together for a ‘Question Time’ style Brexit debate next week.

The debate, which will also feature MP Tim Farron, will be one of the highlights of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show, which will take place at the Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre on Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14.

It will be a chance for hospitality businesses to explore the specific effects of Brexit on the hospitality industry and discuss how business owners can take practical steps to maximise the positives and minimise the negatives.

The debate, which will take place at 10.30am on Wednesday, March 13, will be chaired by hotelier Jonathan Denby, co-director of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Association.

Up to 100 spaces are available to pre-register to be part of the audience on the day, and businesses that cannot be there can also put forward questions by emailing STollerson@cumbriatourism.org by Monday, March 11.

“We are expecting this to be a lively and inspired debate," said Jonathan Denby, co-director of the Lakes Hospitality Association.

"With all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, it is an opportunity to look at some of the specific issues that matter to the hospitality industry, including free movement of people, migrant workers and future recruitment. This will be a great opportunity to hear from industry experts, as well as giving businesses a platform to air their views on the momentous days which lie ahead.”

With a record 140+ businesses exhibiting at the 44th annual Lakes Hospitality Trade Show, a big turnout is expected across the two days.