With May's General Election on the horizon, the Daily Echo spoke to several key Dorset business people about their hopes for the economy and their own firms...

  • Ian Girling, DCCI chief executive, said: "The new Government must place business growth at the heart of its policies; economic growth underpins the whole infrastructure of the UK. The economy remains a critical issue as we recover from recession.

"We need to focus on developing the next generation. Preparing young people for the work and investing in skills are essential.

"The Government also needs to ensure businesses have access to finance, supporting investment and growth.

"The next Government needs a clear focus on developing international trade and making sure that UK businesses are developing new markets and trading at a global level.

"We must also place business at the heart of local growth – ensuring business is fully engaged in local decision-making. Driving down the tax burden is obviously essential as is a focus on reducing red-tape and bureaucracy – which can strangle small business. Locally I would like to see a much stronger focus on access to superfast broadband, stronger links between education and business and a greater focus on supporting start-up businesses."

Jason Gault of TeamJobs said: "We need a business-friendly government. One which makes pledges to protect the NHS and improve social care based on a sound economy, so that there is actually more money in the pot to spend on these things."

Matt Hawkins of C4L stated “Since the last election we have a generation of start-ups, especially in Dorset. We would like to see further stimulation of the economy with incentives like Connection Vouchers which are critical to growth and empowering entrepreneurial talent."

Richard Shaw of Savills said: "There are a number of issues but in short we need lower-cost housing, particularly for younger first-time buyers, more housing stock and clear strategy for investment in transport, energy and other essential infrastructure.”

James Robinson of Princecroft Willis said: “Businesses need a stable platform on which to grow. Stability enables businesses to plan which in turn leads to employment and capital investment for the future. We need a government that supports and encourages entrepreneurs.”

Paul Dillon, Group joint managing director at the Westover Group, which has car dealerships covering 14 brands in Dorset, said: “The main parties' manifestos don't have a great deal to say about motoring, yet more than 70 per cent of the adult population hold driving licences.

“It's important to us that petrol and diesel prices remain stable, because so many of our customers depend upon their cars, but we're also keen that whichever party takes over the reins in May has a robust approach to electric motoring.

“Interest in electric cars is building steadily, but we need to see a continued commitment to creating a strong network of charging points. The infrastructure is growing but investment is key.

“Potholes remain a major issue for our customers living in rural areas and we repair hundreds of vehicles damaged because of the poor condition of our roads each year. We'd like to see ring-fenced funds to improve the condition of our region's roads.

“Spiralling insurance costs are the other motoring bugbear faced by our customers. To keep premiums at an affordable level insurance fraud needs addressing, as does young driver safety. Increased use of the telematics technology available in highly sophisticated modern cars could see highly personalised premiums, with payment according to mileage and motoring history.

“We'd also call for the continued cutting of red tape for motorists. We've already seen the introduction of electronic tax discs, making renewal a more straightforward process for retailers and for car owners. We hope the digitalisation process will continue, with driving licences and other paperwork, following suit.”

Trelawney Dampney, Managing Director, Eco Sustainable Solutions - named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in the 2014 Dorset Business Awards - said: "I am constantly amazed at how people seem to be concerned at 'what’s in it for me' rather than what’s good for UK plc. If the country flourishes then, no matter what political persuasion you come from, we all do better as there is a bigger cake to share from.

"I believe that we should continue to get the country’s economy back on track and then build on the past 12 months' growth. Also keep cutting waste. The easiest way to do this is to reduce budgets.

"So far the campaign has not had any clear winners or losers. Ed Miliband has held up well as has David Cameron. The smaller parties are getting a reasonable amount of airtime which is good so you can have a rounded debate about the issues.

"My gut feeling is that as polling day approaches people will revert to their comfort zones. We could end up with a similar situation as we have now which I think has worked well. I just hope we don’t get the Scottish National Party (SNP) having a big say over our policies!"