BUSINESSES across Hampshire are sighing with relief that the political uncertainty that followed last week’s election has finally been settled. The Daily Echo talked to leaders of firms across the region to see what they expected from the new coalition government and life under Prime Minister David Cameron and his Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Jimmy Chestnutt

Jimmy Chestnutt who is Hampshire Chamber area director for Southampton and Fareham, said: “A new government must make tackling the deficit its number one priority once ministers are in place.

We have watched negotiations between the parties closely since the election result became clear. Any further delay would have introduced a dangerous element of uncertainty into the markets and impacted negatively on consumer confidence.’’

Steve Jackson

Steve Jackson who is managing director of Totton’s Amicus ITS, said: “Businesses will want to see a clear plan laid out by the government on how to reduce the budget deficit.

“George Osborne must deliver an emergency budget that convinces and reassures business leaders that it addresses their number one priority, the fiscal deficit. This will go some way to relieving the jitters that surround the coalition.’’

Gary Whittle

Gary Whittle who is commercial director at Southampton’s Meachers Global Logistics, said: “We have entered a new era of politics and this will make many businesses very cautious.

“We don’t like uncertainty and Cameron and Clegg on the face of it don’t make natural partners. It’s too early to say whether the Tory-led coalition will bring the much needed leadership required to steer the UK economy.”

John Gosling

John Gosling who is operations director at Fareham based commercial waste specialist TJ, said: “The political uncertainty is not yet over because there may be another election within 12 to 18 months if the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats start to disagree. There are welcome signs of an improving economic outlook, so it is important the coalition does not undermine that whilst tackling the budget deficit.’’

Nick Cooper

Nick Cooper who is managing director Fareham based property franchise business Northwood UK, said: “All markets need confidence and the property market is no different.

“A stable government is central to market confidence so for me this coalition was always the most preferable one, as it provides a sensible working parliamentary majority. Whether it lasts or not will remain to be seen.”

Angus Cook

Angus Cook who is director Fair Oak-based Bargate Home, said: “Whilst I’m relieved that the uncertainty is over, we must all hope that the coalition will provide us with a stable government and one that continues to support development.

“Any spending cut on housing will hamper the rate of delivery, which is already well below demand. It is also essential that the planning system supports this delivery.”

Antony Fanshawe

Antony Fanshawe who is partner at the Southampton office of accountants Begbies Traynor: “On balance I’m really pleased that we have a coalition, I think that this gives us the best chance of a stable government. I very much hope they all make it work now as we need to get on with the pressing business at hand – dealing with the enormous deficit and debt problem that this country has and quickly.”

Richard Green

Richard Green who heads up the Southampton office of accountants Smith & Williamson, said: “It is vital that Britain has a business-led recovery while at the same time getting to grips with the £163 billion deficit, and it would appear that the coalition is on course to start making inroads into reducing public borrowing.

“ It will be a delicate balancing act.”

Gareth Stokes

Gareth Stokes director of Southampton accountants hjs Solutions said: “It appears we now have the potential for a stable government over a full five-year term.

“It is important that the new government balances the necessary budget cuts with encouragement for business to maintain the recovery.

“This will remain a difficult balancing act.”