With less than a week to go until voters head to the polls the business organisation Business West has announced its own General Election manifesto.

With less than a week to go until voters head to the polls the business organisation Business West has announced its own General Election manifesto.

It has outlined for the 100 plus candidates standing in 24 constituencies across the region what business wants from our new political masters.

Phil Smith, Business West's managing director, said: "The next Government will be responsible for negotiating the terms of the UK's departure from the European Union - the outcome of which will influence the UK's economic and trading prospects for years to come.

"Beyond Brexit however, this election must also be about the wider fundamentals and ensuring that our businesses and economy are on the strongest possible footing to make Global Britain a success.

"Tackling longstanding infrastructure challenges, skills productivity and gaps and the housing crisis are just some of the measures required to drive growth across the region. With this in mind I urge candidates to think beyond Brexit negotiations and the media spotlight, and become true champions of local business."

Business West has identified 8 key asks of candidates and the incoming Government:

• Brexit - Firms across the region need tariff-free trade with continental Europe and minimal friction at the border, along with a stable regulatory framework and equivalence of standards with the EU. The government must ensure businesses have continued access to the talent they need without undue cost or bureaucracy, creating a pragmatic immigration regime that is responsive to economic needs and skills shortages at all levels.

• International trade - As well as securing an EU trade deal on the best possible terms, the Government should seek to ensure that businesses continue to benefit from existing EU Free Trade Agreements and target trade deals with new global partners. This must include providing long-term support for firms of all sizes to develop a world-class business-to-business network linking British companies with opportunities in markets around the world.

• Devolution - The West of England has agreed a £900m devolution deal and installed its first Metro Mayor. It is now up to leaders both locally and nationally to ensure they make a success of devolution, working closely together to deliver on an ambitious vision for sustainable growth.

• Transport - Despite recently announced major schemes, the current state of our transport network remains poor, with a legacy of underinvestment and inadequate public transport. The Government needs to fast track new long term, integrated transport strategies for our region's travel-to-work areas, seeking to maximise the use of public transport.

• Housing - Housing pressures are rising steeply across our region and there is a growing affordability gap. There is a need to see concerted action from both central and local government to boost planned levels of housing such that it has a meaningful impact on affordability.

• Digital connectivity - Digital connectivity has never been more important for business. The next Government must ensure all businesses have access to world-class digital infrastructure by introducing a new national target that matches the most ambitious targets in other EU countries, and not just countries of a comparable size.

• Skills and employment - There is a need for an education system that adequately prepares young people with the attitude, knowledge and basic industry experience to successfully make the transition to work. The new Government must ensure secondary schools and Further Education colleges are assessed on employment outcomes and pledge universal 'experience of work' in all schools.

• Industrial strategy - The new Government must commit to a long-term industrial strategy which puts an emphasis on 'place' and builds on our region's existing competitive advantages. As well as prioritising skills gaps and investing in infrastructure, the government should pledge support to building on our key regional strengths, particularly in science, research and innovation.

To view the manifesto in full visit: www.businesswest.co.uk