Business puts politicians on the spot

Representatives from the three main political parties faced questions from more than 70 business people at an event organised at Leigh Court by GWE Business West [1] as the general election draws closer.

The panel, chaired by BBC Business Correspondent, David Harvey, which also included Jane Henderson, Chief Executive of the South West Regional Development Agency and GWE Business West’s Managing Director, John Savage, gave their views on a range of topics, including transport, enterprise schemes, education and nuclear power. 

Business regularly puts transport and access as the number one priority so it was no surprise to find it was the subject of the first question. Steve Webb (LIB Dem) said he believed central funding had been skewed in favour of northern regions whilst John Penrose (CON) agreed improvements were needed in both motorways and railways.

When it came to a debate on what help existed for small and medium sized enterprises, Paul Smith (LAB) commended the efforts of Business Link but he said the tax system was far too complicated and current employment laws were actually a barrier which stopped companies from taking on more people. Steve Webb agreed the rules could be difficult and John Penrose said there was a need to simplify the tax system and cut red tape.

There was also unanimity about the importance of improving the education system in order to help the economy. John Savage said it was vital to educate every child and he was appalled there are still large numbers of young people for whom current teaching simply did not work. Jane Henderson added that people already in work should also be encouraged to learn new skills and be willing to take on fresh challenges.

When it came to the politicians, John Penrose said more control should be given to schools, Paul Smith argued for more support for parents to allow them to help their children whilst Steve Webb believed it was important to switch tax credit funding to benefit the disadvantaged.

On the subject of nuclear power, John Penrose said he was convinced it had a part to play though a reduction in energy use and making the most of renewable options was also important, Steve Webb agreed that energy conservation probably provides the best value for money and Paul Smith said he was convinced that a concentration on developing technology to harness solar and tidal power was the most sustainable way forward.

Caption: Paul Smith (Labour), John Penrose (Conservatives), Steve Webb (Liberal Democrats), Jane Henderson (South West Regional Development Agency), John Savage (GWE Business West), David Harvey (BBC Business Correspondent) – chair.