HAROLD Wilson believes the outcome of the May 7 general election will have a direct effect on his renewable energy systems business, especially in relation to whether the UK stays within the EU.

His view on the importance of the upcoming election reflects around half of Oxfordshire’s business owners, according to a recent poll.

The latest Oxfordshire Business Barometer survey, conducted by law firm Withy King in association with the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership last December, found that 48.2 per cent of respondents answered “yes” to the question: “Do you think the general election will affect your business in 2015?”

By contrast, 30.4 per cent said “no” while 21.4 per cent answered “don’t know.” The survey attracted 56 respondents.

Chairman and co-owner of Earth Save Products Mr Wilson said: “From a business point of view, we have to stay in Europe. The majority of exports of the UK go into Europe”

His Wallingford-based company, which designs, supplies and installs renewable energy systems – such as domestic heating, hot water and ventilation – exports to 34 countries, 12 of them in Europe.

Mr Wilson, brother of Conservative MP for Reading East and Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson, believes the Conservative Party “is going to push business” but thinks a Labour Government could stall the recovery.

Director and owner of Bluestream Recruitment, in Harwell near Didcot, Belinda Elliott, said: “We’ve just come out of a recession. I think people are nervous.”

Mrs Elliott said a British EU exit would hit the recruitment industry as it was unclear whether EU citizens would still have the right to work in the UK.

Another recruiter, Kate Allen, managing director and co-owner of Allen Associates, in Oxford, said the labour market would change significantly if the Labour Party changed legislation concerning the minimum wage - Labour wants to raise it - and temporary workers.

She said: “That might put pressure on small businesses. Oxfordshire is predominantly small to medium-sized businesses.”

Businesses The Oxford Mail spoke to were unanimous that another coalition government, regardless of the parties involved, would increase uncertainty.

Grant Hayward, director and owner of Eynsham-based Collaborent, a consultancy which facilitates collaboration between the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, said a coalition government involving three parties, which some political pundits predict is a plausible outcome, would make governing “even more complicated.”

Peter Smith, president of Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Full employment should be a goal for the post-election Government and that means business growth.

“What is important to businesses in Oxfordshire is the right skills for the jobs that are available.

“This means close working with the education sector to prepare young people for the world of work. Other conditions that enable businesses to grow and take on staff include infrastructure and access to finance.”

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