BRADFORD businesses are backing a call for the next government to take measures aimed at making Britain become a “more confident, more enterprising and more skilled trading nation” .

In a business manifesto issued in advance of next year’s general election, the British Chambers of Commerce has identified a number of core themes it believes must be at the heart of any plan for government.

BCC, which represents businesses of all sizes, wants to see increased financial support for working parents to access childcare so that more businesses can retain and develop staff while they start families.

It is also calling for a more “pro-business” Home Office to reduce bureaucracy, costs and delays for foreign business visitors, skilled individuals seeking to work in the UK and British nationals seeking to renew passports from overseas.

Other measures include the freezing of business rates for all companies until the planned full revaluation of premises in 2017, as well as a review and reform of the rates system by 2022.

BCC also calls for local decision-making and procurement to boost city and regional economies. rebuilding and support for long-term investment and improving access to finance.

John Longworth, BCC director-general said: “We need a business plan for Britain, with governments across the UK focusing their attention on creating the best possible environment for growth and enterprise.

“Over the next five years, we can become a more confident, more enterprising, more skilled trading nation that is capable of standing on its own two feet - or retreat into slow but very real decline The national call is supported by Paul Mackie, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

He said: “It’s important that we get these messages out early to all political parties, hence the launch now. The three main political parties all have their annual conferences over the next three weeks and our national chamber body will be using the document over the coming months to highlight our concerns and our priorities. In that way, the party manifestos can be drafted to include many of the themes.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive, added: “Each party needs to have developed a credible and rigorous set of policies that go for growth and unshackle businesses climbing out of recession.”