A Former British Ambassador to the United States and BBC economics editor is to be the guest speaker at top business event in York.

Peter Jay, also a journalist, broadcaster, author and non-executive director of The Bank of England, will give his keynote speech at the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner.

Six hundred chamber members and their guests will be at the event at the National Railway Museum, in York, on April 23. Len Cruddas, the Chamber's chief executive, said: "What happens next in the economy, and how it will affect business, is at the forefront of many people's minds at the start of a new year so Peter Jay's insights are likely to be particularly cogent and enlightening. He will be able to give us an insight into how the Bank of England will be shaping the future economy.

"His presence is a particular coup in the current climate. With the current situation in the subprime market in America affecting credit markets over here, Peter Jay's insight, given his experience in this field as US Ambassador, will be extremely interesting and beneficial to our members."

Mr Jay spent six years in the British Treasury Department before joining The Times as an economics editor, before being appointed UK ambassador to the United States, after which he joined the BBC. He is the author of the book Wealth of Man, which traces man's quest for wealth from pre-history to cyberspace.

Securing Mr Jay as keynote speaker continues the chamber's tradition of attracting high profile speakers.

Previously guests have included The Duke of York, former BBC Director General Greg Dyke, former Home Secretary Lord Brittan of Spennnithorne and former Transport Minister Steven Norris.

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is the largest non-profit making private business organisation in North. Lloyds TSB are the main sponsor of this year's dinner, with additional sponsorship from National Express East Coast and The University of York.

Tickets for the event are £65 per person, and can be booked by emailing Anna Corbett at anna.corbett@ynycc.com, or by phoning (01904) 629513.