FOR me, like most people, the news there will be a General Election on June 8 was totally unexpected.

The important thing for us all now is to focus on what is important, namely the economy and jobs.

In our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey, we saw a high level of uncertainty reported by businesses.

This is an extremely worrying scenario.

How can our companies plan for the long-term when the political and economic ground is shifting around them?

When a business is unclear what the future holds they are not likely to be confident about making key decisions.

Before the election announcement we had experienced more than enough uncertainty.

Brexit negotiation plans are still woolly at best, there is a possible Scottish referendum and an all-important industrial strategy is now left hanging.

The election has added to this uncertainty massively.

But now it is coming we need people to vote in it with a keen eye on the long-term future of the UK and not be tempted to go down the route in favour of short-term expediency, which could well appeal to some voters.

The Brexit negotiations are already creating unclear trading conditions for many businesses and this is only compounded by two of our EU neighbours, France and Germany, also holding elections this year.

Three of the major countries in Europe holding elections in the same 12 months has the potential to create huge changes in the wider political landscape.

These changes could impact on a huge range of issues, including the ability of migrant workers to work here and also British people to be employed overseas.

I have some sympathy for Brenda from Bristol who was seen on the news saying she thought the announcement of the election was a joke.

There will have been many people who thought the same and are still reeling at being presented with a General Election, a full referendum and now another general election, all within two years.

People will be feeling election weary I’m sure but the ramifications are too important to just stand back and wash their hands of it.

I urge everyone in the North-East business community to roll up their sleeves and start to examine the key issues for them and which party will be the best placed to tackle them.

Meeting these challenges is the only way we are going to succeed and be a stronger region as a result.

James Ramsbotham is chief executive at the North East England Chamber of Commerce