Following last week's general election, Business Argus has been asking the local business community what it would like the new government to do to boost the economy both locally and nationally...

Dan Smith, director of M4 Property Consultants, Newport

I’d like the new government to introduce a fairer rates system. The current one is outdated and only reviewed every five years, with the next planned already delayed until 2017. At the moment, retailers are being hit particularly hard in the pocket with some paying business rates that are higher than their rent.

John Newell, director of Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

The economy has improved over the last couple of years. Labour in Wales and the coalition in Westminster have both claimed this progress to be as a result of their own policies and initiatives. The Help to Buy Scheme has proven to be successful in the UK with the Wales equivalent also helping to improve the local housing market encouraging developers to start building new houses, and enabling first time buyers to get onto the property ladder. Wouldn’t it be great if the Conservatives in Westminster and Labour here in Wales were able to work together on other initiatives that benefit the housing sector in Wales.

Luke Welsh, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors

Zero hours contracts are going to remain a political hot potato after the election. The Conservatives will now need to decide if there are going to be further changes to the legislation regarding zero hour contracts and if so what they are and when they will be implemented to allow businesses to make the changes necessary to accommodate for them.

Peter Heathcote, managing director, Budget Vets, Newport

Our employees come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are university educated, some have taken a vocational route and some have arrived in the industry indirectly. The uniting factor, regardless of education or background, is a long-standing interest in working with animals.

For those who have attended university simply because it was expected that they would (and because for years a degree was seen as a 'golden ticket') it can come as a shock that aged at least 21, with no prior experience of an industry and an irrelevant qualification, they struggle to find work. It goes without saying that for those wishing to become a veterinary surgeon a university education is an absolute must. However, for those wishing to work in a supporting role (eg nursing) a vocational route is often (but not always) more appropriate and whoever is elected by the time this article goes to press should ensure that career paths and options are more clearly signposted for our young people when they are making choices about their future. By clearly signposting the route to career success and by providing assistance in identifying the path that is right for them, our new government could significantly reduce the disillusion and discontent felt by young people across the United Kingdom.

An engaged and enthusiastic workforce won’t rescue our economy on its own, but it will provide a solid foundation to work from.

John Reid, business development manager, Centric Recruitment, Newport

The majority of small businesses believe that policy to promote ethical practises among big businesses should be prioritised by the next government. The new party should commit to penalising corporates that act unfairly towards SMEs. From tax avoidance and high street domination to late payment and supply chain abuse, some of the biggest names in British business are threatening the futures of many small businesses throughout the UK.

Noel Davies, managing director, Pop Box Media

The 2015 election result has seen the dawn of a new breed of politics in Britain, but what this means in the longer term with the growth in support of parties such as the SNP remains to be seen. Politically, it’s certainly an interesting and exciting time. There should be continued stability in the UK economy with a majority government in power, but it's important to remember that businesses based in Wales are equally dependent upon a strong and forward-thinking party in-charge of the devolved assembly. Many of the decisions that will affect the prosperity and future of Welsh businesses are not made by the Westminster government, but our own National Assembly. Devolution should mean we have the ability to steer and lead our futures with confidence and optimism, but do we have the calibre of politicians needed to help achieve this? Why do the bright hopes in Welsh politics still want to serve in Westminster and not the National Assembly where their talents could really help Welsh businesses? We need to use the election result to not only increase support and investment in Welsh business, but also to inspire a new generation of Welsh politicians to serve in Cardiff Bay.