MANUFACTURERS are urging the Chancellor to back business in his pre-election Budget.

They want Gordon Brown to send a powerful signal to business in his forthcoming budget, with a package of measures to show boosting productivity remains his fundamental economic goal.

Making the call ahead of a possible general election, EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, believes it is critical that cost pressures should be addressed, but that no risks should be taken with the public finances which might lead to any need for tax rises in the near future.