ONE of Britain’s leading businessmen attended a working breakfast at the offices of the Daily Echo to discuss how local companies can boost trade and industry.

John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, spoke to a select gathering of top business representatives following the launch of his organisation’s Business Manifesto 2014/15.

A ‘Business Plan For Britain’ sets out aspirations for Britain’s next Government following next year’s General Election.

Mr Longworth, who attended last week’s Labour Conference to lobby potential future ministers and will also attend Conservative and Liberal Democract conferences, spelt out what the Chambers of Commerce believed should be the goals for the coming administratiuon.

These included creating the highest level of business investment as a percentage of GDP in the G7 by 2020, doubling the value of British exports to £1 trillion by the same year, the elimination of the UK’s budget deficit and return to surplus by 2018/19, and to create a workforce with literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills that will rank in the top ten in the OECD Adult Skills Survey by 2020.

“For the life of the Parliament and beyond we need a Business Plan for Britain, with governments across the UK focusing their attention on creating the best possible environment for growth, aspiration and enterprise,” said Mr Longworth.

“The decisions taken during the term of the next parliament will have a profound impact on our ability to grow business at home and trade across the world.”

During the meeting, Mr Longworth heard of challenges being faced by local businesses, including cheaper access to high-speed broadband and a lack of incentives for local authorities and communities to give the green light for more housing and industrial projects.

After the meeting the director general visited Southampton port.