WITH the General Election now clearly visible on the horizon, the heavyweight political figures have featured strongly in Chamber activities over recent weeks.

A group of us from the Somerset Chamber, including three Business Apprentices and two members, went to the annual British Chambers of Commerce Conference at Westminster in February.

This event was particularly well attended, with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Shadow Chancellor all making appearances.

While we welcome the progress that the Prime Minister reported on the important local issue of the superfast broadband roll-out and the fact that the project is ahead of schedule, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure Somerset businesses are connected as a priority.

The news from BT is encouraging, and we continue to be in regular dialogue with them about bringing the county’s businesses up to speed digitally.

The political agenda will continue to dominate the news in the coming weeks and, in the interest of stimulating local debate, the Somerset Chamber is organising a series of hustings in each of the county’s constituencies during April.

These will be attended by the local representative from each of the major parties in each constituency, and lively debate is expected.

This pre-election period is a crucial time for businesses to get their voices heard, so please do come along and have your say on the business issues that matter most to you.

Meanwhile, there is increasing evidence that our local economy is growing well and forecasts indicate we will see growth that will outstrip many parts of the country over the next four years.

Central to this growth is the Hinkley Point C development, which is now entering a critical phase as the Final Investment Decision is imminent.

The expected positive decision will create a significant increase in activity, providing substantial long-term economic benefits for the county.

We are already enjoying an employment boost in Somerset too, and we were pleased to meet Nick Boles MP, the Minister of State jointly for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education at Huish College, Taunton in February.

Nick is one of the driving forces behind apprenticeships, and was keen to receive feedback directly from the young people who are entering careers through this route. On the whole feedback was positive, but the apprenticeship programme will only be successful if parents, students and employers recognise a qualified apprentice as a credible alternative to a university graduate.

There is still much work to do to change traditional perceptions but this is essential if we are to bridge the skills and labour shortages we will face in the next five years.

Whatever your views on connectivity, the skills agenda or the economy, come along to your nearest Somerset Chamber business hustings and make sure your local candidates are representing your interests. We look forward to seeing you there!

Find out more about the Somerset Chamber hustings at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/events