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Seriously Speaking: The business world awaits

The anticipation for the General Election has rarely been so palpable. The bookies may only have it down as a 7% chance of a Hung Parliament but it feels anything but clear cut.

A small majority to either Labour or Conservative seem equally likely. The business community as a whole is also split.

The tragedy is that business does not get a vote. Every business is an individual in law but not in democracy.

We vote as individual citizens in the constituency where we live, rather than as business people in the constituency where we work.

What business does want is a stable government with clear business friendly policies that can create a platform for a sustainable economy.

Uncertainty is damaging and we need to move forward to a more certain world with haste. We are well positioned here in the North East.

We now have a well diversified economy with a range of well run and highly productive businesses. We have a strong exporting base which is poised to maximise every opportunity on the world stage as international economies continue to grow and prosper.

However, it is fragile. It may be ready for growth but, like a small plant in spring, a late frost can do terrible damage.

The public sector finances are in a horrific state and need urgent attention. We have to put our national house in order but we have to so in such a way that the private sector is nurtured and enabled to thrive and prosper.

We look to the General Election to deliver a business friendly Government who is able to put the nations finances into good shape whilst enabling businesses to achieve their full potential.

By James Ramsbotham, chief executive, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .