Thursday will see the nation go to the polls to choose who will govern us over the next five years.

Campaigning by all the parties has been hotting up over the last few week and has now reached fever pitch with just two days to go until we decide.

Businesses have been especially keeping an eye on what is being promised from all sides to help boost the economy and get things growing faster again.

Keith Palmer, CEO of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce and Centre for Business said: "With an economy that is well on the way to recovering, party leaders are looking to further boost economic growth in any way they can, with promises of investment, tax cuts and job creation for every corner of the UK, stressing the importance of developing a prosperous Britain.

"While development is certainly key to fostering growth in the business community, such important policies should not be rushed into. Although we are seeing some notably ambitious yet well-balanced policies being set out, a number the more complex economic promises being made appear fickle, lacking the proper insight required to implement them effectively. Amid the frenzy that is the campaign trail, many of the main political parties have taken their eye off Britain’s bigger economic picture, risking the hard work of businesses across the country in favour of policies that shout popular instead of practical.

The financial difficulties faced by the business community in the last few years have been tough, yet such pitfalls have taught us all a hard lesson, leading to robust legislation that safeguards our economy from facing the same mistakes being made in the future.

It is only through careful, responsible fiscal policy that the UK business community has been able to grow again.

As polling percentages get narrower by the day it’s crucial that party leaders protect this growth and the economy doesn’t become a bargaining chip when fighting for those final few votes."

Nathan Bowles, chief executive of Newport-based Smart Solutions, said: “While it’s clear that the economy is the core issue for all parties battling it out in the general election, we feel there should also be a strong, more specific focus on encouraging broad investment in the UK’s workforce. Sectors such as construction, manufacturing and engineering are just a few that act as the pillars for a robust economy and it is vital that parties encourage and support investment in upskilling these workers.

“By ensuring that a talented, well-skilled workforce is developed and maintained, we secure quality and reputation, and more companies will inevitably be attracted to invest in Britain, leading to more jobs and a stronger economy. In addition to upskilling the workforce, it’s also important that any changes to employment legislation is well sign posted and communicated to businesses and are easy to access and implement.

“It’s also essential that the next government can anticipate and adapt to the needs of Britain’s business community and ensure a long-term economic plan is maintained.”

Alan Heycock, managing director of Welsh Bros Food Ltd in Newport, said: “As a company owner I would like to see a drop in business rates which are high, and the services provided are negligible or very low. Access to borrowing needs to be improved, banks will lend, but collateral required is too high. Banks need to take more of a risk for their return.”

Bob Clark, founder and owner of Clarks Maple Syrup, which is based in Newport, said: “Like any business out there, the main change we want to see is for business rates to be cut; this is will be key to ensuring continued growth.

“The current government have put a lot of emphasis on creating jobs in the private sector, but this needs to be driven by continued support to help grow the economy. The more support we receive, the more job opportunities we can create.”

For more from Keith Palmer, turn to page 5.