A PLEA for stability and a call to equip young people with skills has been made by business leaders in York as they outline their hopes for the incoming Government.

Following Friday's general election result, which saw the Conservatives win an unexpected majority vote, business lobbyists and groups have been preparing their wish lists for Prime Minister David Cameron, and his newly appointed business secretary ?

With hopes of seeing growth built on national economic stability, calls have also been made to address local issues affecting enterprise, including the lack of a Local Plan for York.

Simon Williams, chairman for the North Yorkshire Region of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "What businesses will look for from the new Government is certainty and stability, both absolutely fundamental to business planning, and getting to grips with the big economic challenges.

"That must start with continuing to secure the UK’s long-term economic stability and addressing the deficit.

"Businesses will then look to the new Government to provide the conditions for enterprise to continue to flourish, and help ensure the economic recovery is felt in all parts of the country.

"As we set out in our Business Manifesto, that means providing the access to finance they need; supporting job creation and improving skills; confronting the huge problem of late payments; delivering on fundamental reform of business rates; improving broadband provision; making a quick decision on increasing airport capacity; and actively pursuing policies that rebalance economic growth across all the nations and regions in the UK."

Following the result the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce believes "it is clear that the Conservative party has been given a mandate to take bold and important decisions", and says it is "standing ready " to support policies which bring investment to Yorkshire.

Suzanne Burnett, president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber said: "We need to build on progress of the last five years and ensure the incoming Government sets the conditions where our country encourages a culture of entrepreneurialism, where our businesses look to the rest of the world as a potential marketplace, where our young people leave school with the skills and qualities they need to set out on dynamic, rewarding careers.

"On a more local level the lack of a Local Plan for York is stifling economic growth and we will be contacting newly elected representative to meet with the Chamber and discuss plans to move forward.

"We will work with the new government to ensure that policies to invest in the transport infrastructure, to provide more housing and improve the skills of the workforce are implemented."

Rachel Goddard, chairwoman of York Professionals, said: "The Conservatives winning the election with a clear majority is good news for business.

"While it is not a green light for easy growth, and we still have a long to go to return to pre recession confidence, at least it provides a positive platform for businesses to work from for the future.

"I hope the new government will continue to create an environment which will encourage business and growth in the private sector to underpin a robust economy."