Business groups make demands of next Government

Business groups are stepping up their lobbying efforts, as the political parties hold their last conferences before the general election.

The Confederation of British Industry has created a business agenda that it wants the next Government to address within 100 days of taking power.

The group says that strengthening the banking system, creating a low-carbon economy and reducing unemployment will help "put the economy on a path to sustainable growth".

Among its recommendations are that the Government establishes competitive business taxes, attracts and cultivate enterprise and industry, and prioritises energy security.

CBI deputy director-general John Cridland said: "Any new government will have a lot to do in its early days, but the economy must be central to its plans, especially given the state of the public finances and the global downturn."

"The major political parties...should make it their ambition to set out a clear, credible plan that would return the budget to balance by 2015."

On Friday, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that small businesses are key to tackling graduate and youth unemployment.

At the Labour Party conference, taking place this week in Brighton, the group is asking the Government to promote and extend graduate internships, increase the national minimum wage for apprentices and introduce a wage subsidy for those with reduced hours as a result of the recession.

John Wright, the FSB's national chairman, said: "Seven in 10 of all apprenticeships already happen in small businesses, and around 20% would take on a graduate intern.

"Investing money in these areas will not only help small firms grow at a difficult time, but will ensure that the future workers and entrepreneurs are equipped with the skills they need."

IMAGE by Gareth Fuller/PA Wire