Businesses hoping to make longer term plans will want the election to bring stability.

Eastern Daily Press: A worker abseiling down Gulliver to make repairs to the giant wind turbine in Lowestoft.A worker abseiling down Gulliver to make repairs to the giant wind turbine in Lowestoft.

The prime minister's announcement came the day after consultation closed on the government's industrial strategy and industry leaders will be waiting to see what part it plays in the campaign.

Simon Gray, chief executive of the East of England, said the snap election was likely to cause a pause in investment. He said: 'It does is throw into question the government's commitment to energy protocols and the Paris Climate Change agreement.

'Post-Brexit, will a strengthened and emboldened Tory party continue with all the energy policies we have agreed to?'

Charlotte Horobin, interim regional director of manufacturing body EEF for the East of England, said she hoped the election would help bring about longer term thinking. She said: 'We know there will be doubt in the short-term period, but we think the gain of stability it will give us will be worth it.'