The lines have been drawn for the election, which is taking place on May 7.

Business Argus has asked local business people what they would like the next government to do to improve the lot of the business community...

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

The business community and the general public are interchangeable. What benefits the business community, also benefits the general public.

With inflation currently standing at zero per cent, personal allowances rising and more people employed than ever before, the following is likely to happen. More people in work and they are being allowed to keep more of their income. The public will have more buying power, which is good for business. With inflation and interest rates both at an all-time low, large ticket purchases will increase. This is also good for business, and good for the public. Marks and Spencer has just announced good results, a sure sign that the high street is benefitting from the current benign environment. What the business community would like is some fairer method of local taxation. Business rates are levied irrespective of whether a firm is profitable or not. A better way must be found, indeed it is already being reviewed. What all politicians could usefully do is to resist the temptation to meddle. They often make things worse!

John Reid, business development manager, Centric Recruitment, Newport

It has been five years since the current government came to power. They had all the time in the world to deal with business rates and, of course, they announce it just as they’re leaving, just in time for the election. Whoever wins the next election, business rates must be high on their agenda. It’s the most unfair tax paid within the business community. Many town centres have been left like ghost towns and many SMEs could do with some extra cash to support their business needs!

Ross Porter, managing director, Clear Sky Recruitment, Blackwood

Reduce the rate of employer’s national insurance contributions. A reduction in the cost of employing staff could only be good for the business community as it is the staff of a businesses that make the difference.

Luke Welsh, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors

Legislation needs to be drawn up to provide an answer to the ongoing zero hours debate. Employers and employees alike are in limbo waiting to see the outcome of the pledges made by both parties and this will ultimately impact on the local economy. Recent proposals preventing employers from stopping workers seeking extra work elsewhere should improve matters for workers, but that will not stop zero-hours contracts remaining to be in the spotlight. Whether or not you think they are exploitative of workers or a flexible tool for employers, the use of zero-hour contracts is likely to continue.

John Newell, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

We’re a member of the National Association of Estate Agents and in a recent poll of members, almost half (46 per cent) have seen the market cooling in the lead up with more than a quarter (27 per cent) of agents thinking the general election will have the biggest impact on the housing market this year. Nearly half (45 per cent) of agents think the Conservative's pledge to build 200,000 more homes will have the best impact on the housing market. On the downside, 57 per cent of agents think Labour’s proposed 'mansion tax' will have a negative impact on the housing market. There are numerous new development sites being built in Newport providing a variety of new properties, improved infrastructure with local businesses and labour are being employed to supply and build. Housing has a significant impact on the local economy and I would like to see the next government continue to address this as a priority.