Two's company, three's a taskforce: UK plc needs you

The answer was evident when the UK's three largest business organisations - the BCC (British Chambers of Commerce), the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), and the IoD (Institute of Directors) - put theirs together yesterday at a conference in London.

They are trying to exert power on the UK's political parties. In what's likely to be an election year, they want them to listen to their pleas to tackle the most pressing business issues.

It is something of a relief to see these three present a united front given the current business climate. There's more than a murmuring of the R word in various business corners and some analysts predict a full-blown (dare we say it) recession by the end of the year.

Too many regulations, too much taxation and not enough action in the ebusiness or skills arenas were the main gripes at the conference. Businesses are being heard but not heeded lamented Anthony Goldstone, president of the BCC.

Without doubt, too much red tape and not enough tax relief stifle organisations currently fighting for survival. The news is not groundbreaking in itself - and certainly doesn't just apply high-tech ventures - but it is noteworthy that for the first time the three biggest influencers of government business policy have organised a combined attack.

Let's hope the government, pre- and post-election, listens. For all their moaning and one-upmanship, these guys know a thing or two.