BCC: Ed Miliband wrong to talk of ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ businesses

John Longworth, British Chambers of Commerce director general, questions Ed Miliband's language in describing Britain's businesses:

"Ed Miliband is right to say that all parties must be pro-business, and that wealth creation is critical to Britain's future. Yet talk of 'good' versus 'bad' companies misses the point. All businesses that create wealth, pay their taxes and comply with the law are good companies.

"So many businesses across the UK have the local community in their DNA. There are civic-minded businesses at the heart of all our towns and cities. Many of these companies aren't household names, but they are getting on with delivering growth, exports and employment.

"Much of what Ed Miliband said today is encouraging. But it is still unclear whether the politicians fully understand that all the good things we want to see from our public services depend fundamentally on wealth creation by businesses of all shapes and sizes."