THE next Government must set higher ambitions to help manufacturers grow and increase the UK’s power in a reformed EU, an organisation has claimed.

The EEF, which champions the manufacturing industry, says ministers must end negative debates ahead of the General Election.

In a business manifesto, the body said it wants the Government to support a drive to make workers more flexible and productive, improve infrastructure, reduce the cost of doing business, and give employers control of apprenticeship funding.

Bosses added the UK should also remain in the EU to protect manufacturers’ exports.

Liz Mayes, the EEF’s North-East region director, said: “While the last five years have been about recovery, the next five must be about delivering a better balanced economy.

“Some important groundwork has been laid and it’s vital the next Government builds on what has worked to date.

“It will not happen over the lifetime of a single parliament, but the next Government must set lofty ambitions to provide long-term certainty for manufacturing businesses to invest, recruit and grow.”

Martin Temple, EEF chairman, said the UK should stay in the EU and urged reform.

He said: “One certainty is the need to reduce the deficit, which will involve tough choices.

“Whoever assumes power will have to prioritise and limit public spending.

“As a nation we do not exist within our own shores, but must survive and thrive in a global market through the development of new technology.”

Mr Temple also called for the benefits of migration to be argued.

He added: “The mood music is we don't like the rest of the world.

“This is dangerous ground and we need to respond by with a positive view of the benefits of migration, while maintaining a balance where there are genuine concerns.”