ONE of Britain's leading economists will be in Darlington on Friday to give an annual lecture.

Professor John Kay, a fellow of St John's College, Oxford, has interests encompassing both business strategy and public policy.

His work is mostly concerned with changes in industrial structures and the competitive advantage of individual firms.

He is also a director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , one of the UK's most respected think-tanks.

In 1986, Prof Kay founded London Economics, a consultancy business, of which he was executive chairman until 1996.

During that period it grew into Britain's largest independent economic consultancy with a turnover in excess of £10m and offices in London, the US and Australia.

He has been a director of Halifax plc and remains a director of several investment companies.

A frequent writer, lecturer and broadcaster, he contributes a fortnightly column to the Financial Times, and has written a number of books, including Foundations of Corporate Success and The Business of Economics.

The lecture is at The Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, after a sherry reception at 6.30pm. It is followed by a three-course dinner, which will provide good opportunities for discussion.

The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce is supporting the lecture, which is being organised by Darlington Business Venture.

Tickets are still available at £30 - £300 for a table of ten.

For booking information call Enterprise Event Management/Darlington Business Venture on (01325) 480891.