Whichever party forms the next UK government will need to partner with business to fire up the UK economy, says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently called a General Election for 4 July, firing the starting gun on six weeks of campaigning.

The UK’s business groups have responded to the announcement with their agendas for the next government.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: ‘This General Election needs to be about how our political leaders will get the UK economy firing on all cylinders and deliver sustainable growth for the benefit of our society.

‘Whoever forms our next government can’t tackle these momentous challenges alone – they will have to partner with business.

‘Our members want to see politicians having grown-up conversations about how we foster the investment we need to have a labour market which delivers higher living standards, to accelerate our transition to net zero and make the UK an attractive place to run and grow business.’

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: ‘There will be fierce competition for their votes at this election, and those competing will need a convincing plan to bring down the cost of doing business, support small businesses to grow, and create the right conditions to encourage new businesses to start up. As the campaign begins, each party will need to put forward a clear small business offer or manifesto.’