THE next Government must employ a pro-business focus to maintain confidence across the private sector.

That’s the message from the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).

The organisation issued its demands after publishing its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which revealed many businesses are planning to cut back on spending at the start of the new financial year.

It said the looming General Election was causing firms to wind down investment in machinery and training, as they wait to see who will form the next Government.

Mark Stephenson, NECC policy and research manager, said: “Whoever is in Government after the next election must introduce pro-business policies to ensure drops in confidence and investment do not persist for too long.

“It has been our businesses that have driven forward the recovery and without sustained growth then nothing else is possible.

“It is vital this hard won recovery is not placed in jeopardy by uncertainty.”

The NECC’s survey comes after a national report showed the services sector, which includes banks and high street restaurants, is at a seven-month high, helped by extra work, with the manufacturing industry enjoying similar success, buoyed by strong domestic demand and a pick-up in export orders.

Mr Stephenson added: “Confidence remains high in both manufacturing and service firms, with both expecting to see increases in turnover and profitability over the next 12 months.

“The most important thing for business now is that we secure a supportive Government that introduces policies that not only stimulate growth, but further empower firms.”