The newly reformed Bradford on Avon Chamber of Commerce, now known as the BOA Business forum, will hold a Question-Time style debate next week which will pivot on the theme business and economic issues.

The debate, to be held in St Margaret’s Hall on Wednesday, will see parliamentary candidates, fighting it out for the Chippenham constituency, answer questions from the audience, many of whom are local business owners.

BOA Business chairman, Andrew Eberlin and vice chairman, Ruth Warren organised the event to give businesses in the town and surrounding villages an opportunity to question their candidates on their party policies which relate to business.

Topics to be covered on the night include questions about their support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the state of the economy as well as the future of high streets.

Mr Eberlin said: “We are aiming to host a number of events relevant to the local business community and this seemed a brilliant place to start as politics are dominating the news currently and local businesses are interested in what their candidates have to say.

“It's also a great opportunity for the candidates to meet their constituents and understand what the local issues are for them. We hope this will be the first of many relevant and useful meetings bought to you by and for BoA Business."

Veronica Hannon, TedX speaker and head of Holt-based marketing and communications company, Transform Communications will chair the event.

Parliamentary candidates for Chippenham are Michelle Donelan, Conservative, Duncan Hames, Liberal Democrats, Andy Newman, Labour, Tina Johnston, Green and Dr Julia Reid, UKIP.

The event starts at 7.30pm and will run on until 9pm in St Margaret's Hall.