A Suffolk business organisation is set to host a free hustings event in the run-up to the May 7 General Election.

Ipswich and Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA) has announced it will stage a hustings event on May 5 as Britain prepares to go to the polls in the most tightly-fought and unpredictable election in decades.

ISSBA, which is responsible for organising the Anglia Business Exhibition at Trinity Park on May 6, will be offering firms the opportunity to meet local parliamentary candidates and hear their responses to questions posed to them.

‘Election Fever Meets ABE15’ takes place at Trinity Park Events Centre at Nacton, Ipswich, between noon and 1pm. It is hosted by Terry Hunt, editor of the East Anglian Daily Times and Evening Star, and promises to be a lively debate.

The confirmed candidates taking part are: Ben Gummer, Conservative, Ipswich; Jane Basham, Labour, South Suffolk; James Sandbach, Liberal Democrat, Suffolk Coastal; Maria Vigneau, UKIP, Ipswich, and Rhodri Griffiths, Green Party, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich

During the one-hour debate, candidates will be outlining their priorities for business, with a question and answer session at the end of the main hustings. If you are a local business or interested in what candidates have to say about their business policies, you are invited to book your place via the ISSBA website.

Pre booking is essential to reserve your place.

To book: http://www.issba.co.uk/Events/ISSBA-Events/View-category

A buffet lunch will be served between 1pm-2pm, where there will be an opportunity for further networking. This is ticketed and can be purchased via the ISSBA website.