Bosses are calling on party leaders to put business at the heart of the election battle after Kent voters named the economy as the most important issue of this campaign.

The UK’s finances were ranked more important than the NHS and immigration, according to an exclusive poll for the KM Group.

Almost a third of people (30%) in the county considered a strong environment for business as the key to winning their vote, according to findings by Ashford-based market researcher Facts International.

Only one in four voters (24%) saw immigration as most important despite its high-profile debate and significance in parts of the county. Another quarter considered the NHS the most pressing issue.

With the general election less than a fortnight away, Kent firms want politicians to wake up to their concerns, particularly on a lack of skilled workers, with the poll suggesting it might help them get the keys to No 10.

It comes as Labour reveal plans today to cut stamp duty for first time buyers on homes worth up to £300,000.

Yet more than 5,000 small businesses have pledged their support for the Conservative party today in an open letter to the Daily Telegraph.

“One of the biggest challenges family-owned private firms face is a severe skills shortage,” said Anita Brightley-Hodges, managing director of Maidstone-based campaign group Family Business Place.

“Family businesses need a commitment from government to fully-funded apprenticeships whereby they can deliver essential training to young people unhindered by financial worries.”

“One of the biggest challenges family-owned private firms face is a severe skills shortage..." - Anita Brightley-Hodges, Family Business Place

Frazer Thompson, chief executive of Tenterden-based winemaker Chapel Down said: “I’ll settle for the impossible – a government that does what it says it’s going to do.

“I’d like a re-focus on education and employment skills to give us energetic young adults with a desire to work and a thirst for knowledge, plus a compelling incentive for employers to support them.”

Jane Ollis, managing director of Ashford-based RIFT Accounting, said: “We’d like any incoming government to re-evaluate how they approach small businesses, with closer collaboration and recognition of more than their simple economic contribution.

“Supporting rapid growth through risk-sharing measures, controlling corporation tax and creating the communications connectivity needed to thrive could rally small businesses to work toward a better future.”

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “Our message is very simple: keep supporting the Great British pub.

“Decisive measures over the last five years have reduced the tax and regulatory burden for brewers and licensees, resulting in increased investment and job creation. This sector does not want a reversal in these policies, which would create uncertainty and threaten potential for growth.”

The revelation that the economy is the Kent voters’ biggest issue could play well for the Conservatives, which has made the economic recovery a central theme of the election.

It may also be buoyed by the fact that more than a third of Ukip voters (36%) trust the Conservatives most to manage the economy.

However, Labour has hit back saying the Tories have amassed £25bn of unfunded spending commitments in its manifesto.

The Liberal Democrats, who are aligning themselves to enter a coalition after May 7, want to eradicate the budget deficit by 2017-18.