NO overall winner emerged from a business-themed hustings, according to the president of Bradford Chamber of Trade.

Business leaders from West and North Yorkshire took part in the Question Time-style event in Leeds, where representatives from five parties set out what they would do for business growth.

The panellists included Steve Clapcote, Labour candidate for Shipley, and George Grant, Conservative candidate for Bradford West.

Issues raised during the debate included reform of the European Union, productivity and wealth creation, how to tackle late payment to small firms, the UK’s prospects under a Labour-SNP pact, the Coalition’s record and Britain’s debt crisis.

Paul Mackie, president of Bradford Chamber, said afterwards: “This was an event to try and drill down into the policies the parties would implement, if elected, to support businesses in Yorkshire.

“I think the jury’s still out on which party, overall, business should vote for.”

“The parties – and the next government – should avoid headline-chasing for political point-scoring and concentrate on the long-term stability of the economy.

“That can be assisted through sound policies such as a simple tax system, boosting international trade, supporting young people into work, and letting the market work better.”

Leeds president Gerald Jennings added: “All the speakers, even the Green candidate – often portrayed as anti-business – were able to demonstrate some support for business, but Nobody was able to delivered a knock-out punch or even changed the minds of those present on who they planned to vote for.”