Companies in Oxfordshire are being asked to identify the key issues facing their business, as part of a new lobbying initiative by the county's Chamber of Commerce.

The Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry is preparing a business manifesto to direct its lobbying work with Government, MPs and local councils.

It will build on the general election manifesto drawn up by the British Chambers of Commerce, using the experience of local companies and reflecting their concerns.

Chamber chairman John Naish said: "We have a clear vision of what we need from national Government. Now we want to add to that the detailed concerns facing companies in Oxfordshire.

"Our day-to-day dealings with local businesses mean we know that transport, red tape, and business crime will feature.

"Now we are looking to local companies to highlight particular problems and and any suggestions on how they can be tackled."