It’s not just manifesto week in British politics in the run-up to next month’s general election. Business group New West End Company (NWEC) has launched its own manifesto, “laying out policy priorities and recommendations for the future government”.

The manifesto, which builds on insights from its hundreds of members to outline the governmental support businesses need to realise these ambitions of growth”, prioritises three key areas: economic growth, public safety, and planning.

The body, which represents over 600 UK and international firms within the Business Improvement District (BID), calls for ‘comprehensive’ reform to business rates to boost high streets across the country; the reintroduction of tax-free shopping for tourists, a crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, and greater protection for retail workers; and more flexible planning laws to drive investment and jobs growth.

NWEC chief executive Dee Corsi said: “As the election nears, ‘growth’ has become a buzzword for both Labour and the Conservatives. But if our nation’s politicians are serious about delivering for the business sector, we need to take a long-term approach that tackles unwieldy business rates, encourages innovation by reforming the rigid planning system, and keeps streets safe by remodelling police funding.

“Our manifesto, informed by the more than 600 UK and international businesses that the New West End Company represents, offers any future government a roadmap to do just that.

“In a little under four weeks the public will have decided on who they want to lead the country. When the nation has had its say, I hope that the government will look to the recommendations of the nation’s businesses so that they can deliver on the promise of growth.”