What do Britain’s business leaders want from the next government? Whichever party wins the election, the twin issues of the economy and the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the rest of the EU will take centre stage on the new government’s agenda.
As part of the BBC’s election coverage, we asked the bosses of businesses, large and small, what single policy they wanted to see from the next government.
“Immigration policy is far more important than regulatory policy,” says Huw van Steenis of Schroders
We need to build digital skills in small businesses and others, says Pauline Roche
The UK should have more workplace childcare places, says Paige Jackson
Help us tap into the new markets that will be available to the UK after Brexit, says Emma Pullen
Even out the rules on part-time and permanent work, says Amanda Fone
Reduce business rates to help High Street stores, says Cecile Reinaud
Firms should focus more on domestic workers instead of relying on migrants, says Richard Tice.
We need tighter rules on employment and self-employment, says Jennifer O’Donnell
“I started my company not knowing anything other than design,” says Samantha Crutchlow
The UK should use of its scientific talent as the basis for economic policies, says Sir Paul Marshall
I’d like to see incentives to keep manufacturing in the UK, says Sophie Kelly
I want to see more support for women starting up businesses, says Lu Li
English-language students are worth £1.2bn to the UK says Val Hennessey
The UK needs to fundamentally review business taxes, says Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe
Reduce National Insurance payments when hiring new staff, says Jodie Cook
Zero-hour contracts should be reformed to make them work more fairly, says Shaun Crowley
My business may suffer if prices have to rise because of tariffs, says cookery boss Bini Ludlow
The government should aid the growth of self-employment, says Simon Belsham
The UK should toughen the laws on bankruptcy, says garage owner Julie Jordan-Spence
