Transport and connectivity should be the main focus of the next Mayor of Greater Manchester, according to chamber of commerce members.
Ahead of the election on 6 May, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has revealed that transport topped the list for immediate action when it polled its members.
Digital connectivity and poor transport links for people and freight were highlighted as the biggest issues facing businesses at present.
Chamber president Robin Phillips said: "At our assembly meetings and in all our issue-based surveys, the ability to get businesses and people to connect always comes near the top of priorities for action.
"These results match some of the thinking behind my presidential theme of 'Connectivity & Innovation for Growth' which not only looks at infrastructure challenges but the wider ability for businesses to connect and collaborate with their customers and partners, to drive innovation.
"Without the means to do this easily, either in person or virtually, the economic growth we need coming out of the pandemic will be weaker and take longer to have a positive impact for everybody.
"Whoever wins the mayoral election, they will face a number of challenges as things get more back to normal following the pandemic and it’s important that they make clear their ambitions, actions and how they will work with business to help make things happen.
"A successful, connected, Covid-safe and zero carbon transport network coupled with accessible, advanced digital communications, will help set the ambitions for what we need to achieve across our community and put Greater Manchester back on track for growth and success into the future."
It comes after the manufacturing industry in Greater Manchester called on the next mayor to invest in regional rail links, improve training facilities to boost skills and accelerate digital infrastructure development.
Nine candidates will be on the ballot paper for the Greater Manchester mayoral elections on May 6.
Andy Burnham, who has held the £110,000-a-year role since 2017, will be standing for re-election as the Labour and Co-operative Party candidate.
Former Trafford councillor Laura Evans is standing for the Conservatives while Simon Lepori has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats.
Melanie Horrocks is the Green Party candidate, Nick Buckley will stand for Reform UK and Stephen Morris, general secretary for the Workers of England trade union, will be standing for the English Democrats.#
David Sutcliffe, a former Greater Manchester Police officer, will be standing as a self-styled ‘anti-corruption’ candidate.
Marcus Farmer and Alec Marvel will be running as independents.
