Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on the incoming government to reduce business costs

Lowering the costs of doing business, especially for small firms, should be a top priority for the next Government – so say business leaders in the region.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has also called for a focus on skills and greater provision of land for jobs in the run-up to the general election.

The chamber says it plans to work with the region’s new MPs after the election to ensure businesses have the best opportunities to invest, grow and hire new staff.

Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group and chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said there were a number of measures which could ease the burden of doing business.

He said: “The next government won’t have a huge tax margin, but if they can look to reduce the cost of doing business, it will have a positive economic effect.

“The Chamber will continue to push for a review of the business rate to create a fairer system to help bring more people back to our core businesses.

“I would also support an increase in the VAT threshold as again this would have a positive impact on smaller businesses with lower turnover giving them a better opportunity to grow. “

He said the next government should encourage businesses that invest in green and sustainable ways of doing business.

He added: “Rising interest rates and access to finance remain a barrier to business growth.”

Chamber chief executive Corin Crane said he would also like to see greater support for international trade to reduce the cost of exporting.

He added: “The next government must commit to supporting businesses that are either starting up or looking to expand to ensure our economy has the best possible chance of growth.”