A greater awareness, transparency and openness allied to the development of Public-Private Partnerships — that is what local businesses in Bermuda are looking for from the newly-elected Government.

Jonathan Brewin, president and CEO of motor specialist HWP, has called on the new incumbents of power to improve education in schools in line with the industry requirements and needs, while sitting up and taking notice of the global challenges facing the Island.

He also revealed that neither the PLP or UBP had been to see his company about its business concerns and hopes for the economy.

"We would like to see greater transparency and more open and fair opportunity for all local providers involved in Government contracts," he said.

"We feel that we are really unclear about what standards they are looking to put in on certain things, such as emissions."

Meanwhile, Mr. Brewin believes education is the key to any future success in Bermuda's business environment.

"I think they need to educate our kids to the standards that Bermuda's industry requirements and demands, and that goes for local and international," he said.

"It is also trying to resurrect and put in place a better feeling of work ethic."

He would also be in favour of a greater pooling of ideas within Government itself and throughout industry generally.

"There is obviously an established model for that in the Bermuda Employers' Council, but also think-tanks involving industry specific groups to identify what business concerns are about, would be a good idea."

Mr. Brewin reckons another important area for the incoming government to focus on would be the global challenges that lie ahead.

"If you look at the weakness of the dollar, it has shown a horrible slide and it is going to have an impact if you have to increase your retail prices to protect your margin," he said.

"I think that a massive increase in oil — it is around $90 per barrel today, up from $50 to $60 dollars per barrel, 12 months ago, then obviously it has an impact on everything in terms of shipping in gas and production of any equipment and product or whatever.

"It is really about having a greater awareness and openness and transparency and more momentum in developing Public-Private Partnerships.

"Also, I think there needs to be an increased momentum between Government and employers in steps that have to be taken to ensure that our senior citizens are going forward and are prepared for their senior years and that seniors are on board with the changes to that provision."

Michael Leverock, CEO of CellularOne, however, would like to see the new government maintain the status quo of the economy.

"Bermuda has a thriving economy, supported by successful international and local businesses," he said. "I would urge our next government to ensure that their fiscal policies and programmes encourage investment in Bermuda.

"This is essential if we are to maintain our long-term viability as a world-class international business centre.

Talking specifically about the telecommunications industry, in which he works, Mr. Leverock called for initiatives to develop competition among service providers.

He said: "Given my close involvement in the growth and operation of a dynamic, successful telecommunications company, I am particularly interested in those initiatives that foster and support competition in this industry.

"Telecommunications providers need to be in a position to take advantage of industry trends as they arise if we are to meet the needs of our customers. As such, I believe that Bermuda's business environment must encourage innovation and investment over the long-term."