Retail Week questioned Conservative and Labour ministers on business rates, EU competition and digital infrastructure.

Houses of Parliament

The political parties have touched upon a raft of business-related political concerns in their manifestos, from high streets to zero-hour contracts.Retail Week chose three topics to gain some deeper insight from the frontrunners in this year’s general election.

Conservative minister for culture, communications and creative industries Ed Vaizey:

How will a reform of business rates help larger businesses? And what will be done to incorporate businesses’ digital sales on this physical tax?

Business rates affect a vast range of businesses and sectors – and we need to make sure the system is fit for the 21st century. That’s why we’ve launched a comprehensive review of the system to make sure we get the changes right, so that from 2017 the system works better for business. This is just one part of what we’ve been doing to deliver a more competitive system – with Corporation Tax cut from 28% to 20% – the joint lowest in the G20.

What would you do to help UK retailers remain competitive in Europe?  

We’re determined to help keep British business competitive – and make sure Britain is the best place to do business in Europe. We’ll do that by keeping working to the plan we have been over the last five years – backing businesses by cutting red tape, cutting the taxes on jobs and apprenticeships, and making sure our young people get the skills they’ll need for work.

Our readers have said UK businesses need access to world-class digital infrastructure and 5G technology – how will you ensure the UK competes as the best market for digital infrastructure to aid business? 

We know just how vital a strong digital infrastructure and fast connections are to British businesses and we’re committed to rolling out universal broadband and improving mobile phone connections – making sure Britain seizes the opportunity to be a world leader in 5G. We’ve already started work to roll out superfast broadband, and under our plans 95% of the country will have access to it by the end of 2017 – with Britain’s superfast broadband the cheapest of any major European country. And we want ultrafast broadband to be available as soon as possible.

Toby Perkins

Labour shadow small business minister Toby Perkins:

How will a reform of business rates help larger businesses? And what will be done to incorporate businesses’ digital sales on this physical tax?

“Labour will cut – then freeze – businesses rates, helping 1.5 million small business premises across Britain. Under the Tories, small firms have been hit by business rates hikes of £1,500 on average.

What would you do to help UK retailers remain competitive in Europe?  

 “The Tories are pushing Britain towards the EU exit door, risking jobs and vital investment. In contrast, Labour will ensure that Britain gets around the table, batting for businesses of all sizes.

Our readers have said UK businesses need access to world-class digital infrastructure and 5G technology – how will you ensure the UK competes as the best market for digital infrastructure to aid business? 

“The next Labour government will ensure that businesses in all parts of the country have access to affordable high-speed broadband by the end of the next Parliament, delivering the vital digital infrastructure we need.”

Retail Week asked the same three questions of the Liberal Democrats, but the party did not respond with any answers by the time of publication