BUSINESS leaders in Oxfordshire have highlighted a range of issues to tackle in a bid to protect the county’s economy from a further battering this year.

The wishlist includes reviewing parking charges, cutting rates for small businesses and helping entrepreneurs and innovation.

Margaret Coles, chairman of the Oxfordshire Federation of Small Businesses, said: “I would like to see a cut in the fuel duty as many people are struggling, particularly Pubs and shops.

“There should also be a cut in business rates for small businesses and new start-ups given a rates holiday. Pubs and bars could also have their VAT reduced to five per cent as they do in France.”

Nigel Wild, president of the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said 2012 was “not going to be easy”, particularly in the first six months.

He said: “One of the reasons why Witney is doing so well in retail is because of the free parking while Oxford seems to shoot itself in both feet simultaneously.

“Rents for shops are also due every quarter, but we should take a longer term view. Short-term measures are a killer in business.”

Mr Wild added many people were wanting to start their own businesses, often after being made redundant, but were being frustrated by the banks.

He said: “The problem is that they don’t have proper business plans and a lot more help is required.

“The other main area is cutting down on youth unemployment. We need to help young people recognise the value of apprenticeships.”

While there are issues that need tackling, most bosses reckon Oxfordshire has plenty of positives, including the development of the Science Vale enterprise zone in the south of the county, the redevelopment of Bicester and the opening up of part of the Oxford to Cambridge rail line.

Frank Nigriello, chairman of employers’ group Oxfordshire Business First, said: “We have to be cautiously optimistic – the last thing we want to do is talk the economy down into an even more desperate state.

“The challenge will be for individual businesses to make the most of opportunities around them, for example in the enterprise zone and for the development of infrastructure and high speed broadband around the county.”